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The count of guaranteed positions for Indigenous council members on NZ councils is set to be cut by over 50%, following a divisive legislative amendment that forced local governments to put the fate of hard-won Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which may have one or more elected officials based on demographic data, were created in 2001 to give Indigenous voters the option to vote for a assured Indigenous council member in municipal and provincial governments. Originally, local governments could only establish a Māori ward by initially putting it to a community referendum in their region. Communities frequently devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their local governments to create Māori wards.

Legislative Shifts and Administrative Decisions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government allowed local councils to set up a Indigenous seat without first requiring them to subject it to a public vote.

However, this year, the current administration overturned the policy, stating communities ought to determine whether to introduce Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The new legislation required local authorities that had established a ward under the previous policy to conduct decisive public votes concurrently with the municipal polls, which concluded on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the public vote, 17 decided to keep their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – showing many regions against reserved Indigenous seats.

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

Critics nevertheless have criticised the new policy as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented extensive reversals to measures intended to enhance Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. Officials has said it aims to end “race-based” policies, and says it is committed to enhancing results for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

Outcomes of the public votes were split down city-country divisions – most cities mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, while countryside areas skewed heavily towards removing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Concerns

The recent local government elections recorded the smallest electoral participation in 36 years, with less than a third of citizens participating, leading to demands for reform.

The process had been “a farce”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are permitted to create other types of electoral districts – such as rural wards – without first requiring a public vote. The disparate requirements applied to Māori wards suggested the administration was targeting Māori representation.

“Well, they failed. Many communities have expressed strong opposition.”

This statement concerned the 17 areas that chose to retain their wards.