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The count of reserved seats for Indigenous council members on NZ local authorities is set to be cut by more than half, after a divisive legislative amendment that forced local governments to submit the future of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which may have multiple elected officials depending on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to provide Māori electors the choice to elect a assured Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Originally, councils were only able to create a Māori ward by first submitting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations frequently devoted considerable time building local support and pushing their local governments to create Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the former administration permitted municipal authorities to set up a Indigenous seat without first requiring them to put it to a public vote.

But in 2024, the right-wing coalition government overturned the policy, saying local residents should decide whether to introduce Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The new legislation mandated councils that had established a ward under the previous policy to hold binding referendums concurrently with the municipal polls, which ended on October 11. Of 42 councils participating in the public vote, 17 voted to keep their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

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

Critics however have criticised the new policy as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. After assuming power, the current administration has ushered in extensive reversals to measures designed to improve Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. The government has said it wants to end “race-based” approaches, and asserts it is committed to enhancing results for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

The results of the referendums were split down urban-rural lines – most cities required to vote backed Māori wards, while rural regions skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Concerns

The recent municipal polls registered the smallest electoral participation in 36 years, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, leading to calls for an overhaul.

This approach had been “a mockery”.

Differential Standards

Councils are permitted to create other types of wards – such as rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The different conditions placed on Māori wards suggested the administration was singling out Indigenous inclusion.

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

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