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The count of reserved seats for Indigenous council members on NZ councils will be slashed by more than half, after a divisive law change that forced local governments to submit the fate of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have multiple councillors depending on demographic data, were created in 2001 to give Indigenous voters the choice to vote for a guaranteed Indigenous council member in local and regional authorities. Originally, councils were only able to establish a Māori ward by first submitting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations frequently devoted considerable time building community backing and pushing their councils to establish Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To remedy the issue, the former administration allowed local councils to set up a Indigenous seat without first requiring 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 Māori wards.

Voting Outcomes

The coalition’s law change mandated local authorities that had established a electoral district under Labour’s rules to hold binding referendums alongside the local body elections, which concluded on 11 October. Of 42 councils taking part in the referendum, 17 voted to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – revealing many regions opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes represented “a crucial move in restoring local democratic control.”

Critics nevertheless have condemned the new policy as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. After assuming power, the current administration has implemented extensive reversals to measures designed to improve Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. Officials has stated it aims to end “ethnic-specific” policies, and says it is committed to improving outcomes for Māori and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

The results of the referendums were divided down city-country divisions – most cities mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, while countryside areas leaned strongly towards disestablishing them.

“It’s a real shame for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re only just starting to hit their stride.”

Electoral Participation and Criticism

The recent municipal polls registered the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with less than a third of eligible voters participating, leading to calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Councils are able to create different electoral districts – such as countryside seats – without first requiring a community ballot. The disparate requirements applied to Māori wards indicated the administration was singling out Indigenous inclusion.

“Well, they failed. Many communities have given the government a middle finger response.”

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