🔗 Share this article

The count of guaranteed seats for Māori representatives on NZ local authorities is set to be slashed by more than half, following a divisive legislative amendment that required local governments to submit the fate of hard-earned Māori seats to a public vote.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have multiple elected officials based on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to provide Māori electors the choice to elect a assured Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Originally, local governments were only able to establish a Māori ward by first submitting it to a public vote in their area. Local populations often devoted considerable time generating community backing and urging their local governments to establish Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government permitted municipal authorities to set up a Indigenous seat without first requiring them to put it to a popular ballot.

However, this year, the current administration reversed the change, saying local residents should decide whether to introduce Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The new legislation required councils that had created a ward under Labour’s rules to hold decisive public votes alongside the local body elections, which ended on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the referendum, 17 voted to keep their seats, and 25 to abolish theirs – revealing numerous areas against reserved Indigenous seats.

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

Critics however have criticised the government’s law change as “racist” and “against Indigenous interests”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented extensive reversals to policies designed to enhance Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. The government has said it aims to terminate “ethnic-specific” approaches, and says it is committed to enhancing results for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

The results of the public votes were split down city-country divisions – most urban centers required to vote backed Māori wards, while rural regions skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Criticism

This year’s municipal polls recorded the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with less than a third of citizens participating, leading to demands for reform.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are able to create different wards – including countryside seats – without first requiring a community ballot. The disparate requirements applied to Indigenous representation indicated the administration was singling out Māori representation.

“Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. Many communities have expressed strong opposition.”

This statement referred to the 17 regions that chose to keep their seats.