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The number of reserved positions for Māori representatives on NZ councils is set to be cut by over 50%, following a controversial legislative amendment that required local governments to submit the future of hard-earned Māori seats to a public vote.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Māori wards, which may have multiple councillors depending on demographic data, were established in 2001 to provide Indigenous voters the choice to elect a guaranteed Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Initially, local governments could only create a Māori ward by initially putting it to a public vote in their region. Communities often devoted considerable time generating community backing and pushing their local governments to create Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

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

However, this year, the current administration reversed the change, saying communities ought to determine whether to introduce Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change mandated councils that had established a electoral district under Labour’s rules to hold binding referendums alongside the local body elections, which ended on October 11. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the referendum, 17 decided to retain their seats, and twenty-five to disestablish theirs – showing many regions opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

The results provided “a vital step in restoring local democratic control.”

Critics nevertheless have condemned the new policy as “racist” and “against Indigenous interests”. After assuming power, the coalition government has ushered in extensive reversals to measures designed to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it wants to end “ethnic-specific” policies, and says it is committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous people and all New Zealanders.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – most cities required to vote supported Māori wards, while countryside areas leaned strongly towards disestablishing them.

“It's unfortunate for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re just beginning to hit their stride.”

Voter Turnout and Criticism

The recent municipal polls registered the smallest electoral participation in 36 years, with less than a third of eligible voters participating, leading to demands for reform.

This approach had been “a mockery”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are able to create other types of electoral districts – such as rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The different conditions placed on Māori wards indicated the administration was targeting Māori representation.

“Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. Many communities have expressed strong opposition.”

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