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The count of guaranteed seats for Māori representatives on NZ councils is set to be cut by over 50%, following a divisive law change that required local governments to submit the fate of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which can include multiple elected officials depending on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to give Indigenous voters the option to vote for a assured Indigenous council member in local and regional authorities. Originally, local governments were only able to establish a Indigenous seat by first putting it to a community referendum in their area. Communities often devoted considerable time building community backing and urging their councils to create Indigenous representation.

Legislative Shifts and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the former administration permitted local councils to establish a Indigenous seat without first requiring them to subject it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration reversed the change, saying local residents should decide whether to establish Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change mandated local authorities that had established a electoral district under Labour’s rules to conduct binding referendums concurrently with the municipal polls, which concluded on 11 October. Of 42 councils taking part in the referendum, 17 voted to keep their seats, and twenty-five to abolish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

The results represented “a vital step in reinstating community self-determination.”

Opposition parties nevertheless have condemned the government’s law change as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented extensive reversals to measures intended to enhance Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. The government has stated it wants to end “race-based” policies, and says it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

Outcomes of the referendums were divided down city-country divisions – 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 recently been established – they’re only just starting to hit their stride.”

Electoral Participation and Criticism

This year’s local government elections recorded the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with less than a third of citizens participating, leading to calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are able to establish other types of electoral districts – including rural wards – without first requiring a public vote. The different conditions applied to Māori wards suggested the administration was targeting Indigenous inclusion.

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

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