🔗 Share this article

The count of reserved positions for Māori representatives on NZ local authorities is set to be cut by over 50%, after a controversial law change that forced local governments to put the future of hard-won Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Māori wards, which may have one or more elected officials depending on demographic data, were established in 2001 to provide Māori electors the option to elect a guaranteed Indigenous council member in municipal and provincial governments. Originally, councils were only able to create a Indigenous seat by first putting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations often devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their councils to create Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To remedy the issue, the previous Labour government allowed municipal authorities to set up a Māori ward without initially mandating them to subject it to a popular ballot.

However, this year, the right-wing coalition government reversed the change, saying communities ought to determine whether to introduce Indigenous representation.

Voting Outcomes

The coalition’s law change required local authorities that had created a electoral district under the previous policy to conduct binding referendums alongside the local body elections, which concluded on 11 October. Of 42 councils taking part in the referendum, 17 decided to keep their seats, and 25 to disestablish theirs – revealing numerous areas against reserved Indigenous seats.

The results provided “a crucial move in reinstating community self-determination.”

Opposition parties nevertheless have condemned the new policy as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented extensive reversals to policies intended to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. Officials has stated it aims to terminate “race-based” policies, and says it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Māori and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – most urban centers required to vote backed Māori wards, while rural regions skewed heavily towards removing them.

“It's unfortunate for the Indigenous seats that had only just come in – they’re just beginning to hit their stride.”

Voter Turnout and Concerns

This year’s local government elections recorded the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, leading to demands for reform.

This approach had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Councils are permitted to create different wards – such as rural wards – without initially mandating a public vote. The disparate requirements placed on Indigenous representation suggested the administration was targeting Māori representation.

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

This remark concerned the 17 regions that voted to retain their seats.