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The number of guaranteed positions for Indigenous council members on New Zealand local authorities is set to be cut by more than half, after a controversial legislative amendment that forced local governments to put the fate of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which may have one or more elected officials depending on demographic data, were established in 2001 to provide Indigenous voters the choice to elect a assured Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Originally, councils were only able to create a Māori ward by initially putting it to a public vote in their region. Local populations frequently devoted considerable time building local support and urging their councils to establish Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To remedy the issue, the former administration permitted municipal authorities to establish a Māori ward without first requiring them to subject it to a popular ballot.

However, this year, the current administration reversed the change, saying local residents ought to determine whether to establish Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The new legislation required councils that had created a ward under the previous policy to hold decisive public votes alongside the municipal polls, which ended on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the public vote, 17 voted to retain their seats, and 25 to abolish theirs – revealing many regions opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

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

Critics nevertheless have criticised the new policy as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. After assuming power, the current administration has ushered in extensive reversals to policies designed to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has said it aims to end “race-based” policies, and asserts it is committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous people and all New Zealanders.

Urban-Rural Divide

The results of the referendums were split down city-country divisions – six of the seven cities required to vote supported Māori wards, while rural regions leaned strongly towards removing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Concerns

The recent 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

Councils are able to establish other types of wards – such as rural wards – without first requiring a public vote. The disparate requirements applied to Māori wards indicated the government was singling out Māori representation.

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

This statement referred to the 17 areas that voted to retain their seats.