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The count of reserved seats for Māori representatives on NZ councils is set to be cut by more than half, following a controversial law change that required local governments to submit the fate of hard-won Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Indigenous electoral districts, which can include multiple elected officials depending on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to give Indigenous voters the choice to elect a assured Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Initially, local governments were only able to create a Indigenous seat by first putting it to a public vote in their region. Communities frequently spent years building community backing and urging their councils to create Indigenous representation.

Legislative Shifts and Government Actions

To address this concern, the former administration allowed local councils to set up a Māori ward without first requiring them to put it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration reversed the change, saying communities ought to determine whether to establish Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change mandated councils that had established a ward under Labour’s rules to hold binding referendums alongside the municipal polls, which concluded on October 11. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the referendum, 17 voted to retain their seats, and twenty-five to disestablish theirs – revealing many regions against guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes provided “a vital step in restoring community self-determination.”

Critics nevertheless have criticised the new policy as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the coalition government has implemented extensive reversals to policies intended to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has said it wants to terminate “ethnic-specific” approaches, and says it is dedicated to enhancing results for Indigenous people and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

Outcomes of the public votes were divided down city-country divisions – six of the seven urban centers mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, while countryside areas skewed heavily towards removing them.

“It’s a real shame for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re just beginning to find their footing.”

Electoral Participation and Concerns

This year’s local government elections recorded the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with less than a third of citizens casting a vote, leading to demands for reform.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are able to create different electoral districts – such as countryside seats – without first requiring a public vote. The different conditions placed on Indigenous representation indicated the administration was targeting Indigenous inclusion.

“Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. Many communities have given the government a middle finger response.”

This remark referred to the 17 regions that chose to retain their seats.