🔗 Share this article

The number of guaranteed seats for Indigenous council members on NZ councils is set to be cut by more than half, following a divisive legislative amendment that required local governments to put the future of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a popular referendum.

Background Information on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have multiple councillors depending on demographic data, were established in 2001 to provide Māori electors the choice to vote for a guaranteed Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Originally, local governments could only establish a Māori ward by initially submitting it to a public vote in their area. Local populations often devoted considerable time building community backing and urging their councils to create Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To remedy the issue, the former administration permitted local councils to establish a Māori ward without first requiring them to put it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration overturned the policy, stating communities ought to determine whether to introduce Māori wards.

Voting Outcomes

The new legislation mandated local authorities that had established a electoral district under the previous policy to hold decisive public votes alongside the local body elections, which concluded on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the public vote, 17 decided to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – revealing many regions opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes provided “a vital step in reinstating local democratic control.”

Critics however have criticised the government’s law change as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the coalition government has ushered in sweeping rollbacks to policies designed to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has said it wants to end “race-based” policies, and says it is committed to improving outcomes for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

The results of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – most urban centers required to vote supported Indigenous seats, while countryside areas leaned strongly towards removing them.

“It’s a real shame for the Indigenous seats that had only just come in – they’re just beginning to hit their stride.”

Voter Turnout and Concerns

The recent local government elections registered the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, leading to calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Councils are able to establish other types of electoral districts – such as countryside seats – without initially mandating a public vote. The disparate requirements placed on Indigenous representation suggested the administration was targeting Indigenous inclusion.

“Well, they failed. Numerous localities have expressed strong opposition.”

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