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The count of guaranteed seats for Māori representatives on NZ councils is set to be cut by over 50%, after a divisive legislative amendment that forced local governments to put the fate of hard-earned Māori seats to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which may have one or more elected officials depending on demographic data, were created in 2001 to provide Māori electors the option to vote for a assured Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Originally, councils were only able to create a Māori ward by initially putting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations frequently devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their local governments to establish Māori wards.

Legislative Shifts and Government Actions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government allowed municipal authorities to set up a Māori ward without initially mandating them to put it to a popular ballot.

However, this year, the current administration reversed the change, stating local residents should decide whether to establish Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The new legislation mandated local authorities that had created a electoral district under the previous policy to hold binding referendums concurrently with the municipal polls, which concluded on 11 October. Of 42 councils participating in the public vote, 17 voted to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – showing many regions against guaranteed Māori representation.

The results provided “a crucial move in restoring local democratic control.”

Opposition parties nevertheless have condemned the government’s law change as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has ushered in extensive reversals to measures intended to enhance Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it aims to terminate “race-based” policies, and asserts it is dedicated to enhancing results for Māori and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – six of the seven cities mandated to hold referendums backed Māori wards, while rural regions skewed heavily towards removing them.

“It's unfortunate for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re only just starting to find their footing.”

Voter Turnout and Criticism

The recent municipal polls recorded the smallest electoral participation in over three decades, with less than a third of citizens participating, leading to demands for reform.

The process had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Councils are permitted to establish other types of electoral districts – including countryside seats – without first requiring a community ballot. The disparate requirements applied to Māori wards suggested the government was singling out Indigenous inclusion.

“Well, they failed. Many communities have given the government a middle finger response.”

This remark referred to the 17 regions that voted to keep their wards.