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The number of guaranteed positions for Māori representatives on NZ local authorities will be cut by more than half, following a controversial law change that required municipal councils to put the future of hard-won Māori seats to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which may have multiple elected officials depending on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to give Indigenous voters the option to elect a assured Indigenous council member in local and regional authorities. Originally, councils were only able to establish a Māori ward by initially submitting it to a community referendum in their region. Communities often devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their councils to create Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To remedy the issue, the former administration allowed municipal authorities to set up a Māori ward without initially mandating them to put it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration reversed the change, stating local residents ought to determine whether to introduce Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change required councils that had established a ward under Labour’s rules to hold binding referendums alongside the municipal polls, which concluded on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments participating in the referendum, 17 decided to retain their seats, and 25 to abolish theirs – revealing many regions against guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes represented “a vital step in reinstating local democratic control.”

Opposition parties however have criticised the new policy as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has ushered in sweeping rollbacks to measures designed to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has said it aims to end “ethnic-specific” policies, and says it is dedicated to enhancing results for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

The results of the referendums were divided down city-country divisions – most cities mandated to hold referendums backed Indigenous seats, while rural regions leaned strongly towards disestablishing 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 Criticism

This year’s local government elections registered the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with less than a third of citizens participating, leading to calls for an overhaul.

This approach had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are permitted to establish other types of wards – including rural wards – without initially mandating a public vote. The different conditions placed on Indigenous representation suggested the government was singling out Indigenous inclusion.

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

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