🔗 Share this article

The number of reserved seats for Māori representatives on New Zealand councils is set to be cut by more than half, following a divisive law change that required municipal councils to put the fate of hard-won Māori seats to a public vote.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have multiple councillors based on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to provide Māori electors the option to elect a assured Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Initially, local governments could only establish a Māori ward by first putting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations frequently devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their councils to establish Māori wards.

Legislative Shifts and Administrative Decisions

To remedy the issue, the former administration permitted municipal authorities to establish a Indigenous seat without initially mandating them to put it to a popular ballot.

However, this year, the current administration reversed the change, stating communities ought to determine whether to establish Māori wards.

Voting Outcomes

The coalition’s law change required councils that had established a electoral district under Labour’s rules to conduct decisive public votes concurrently with the municipal polls, which ended on October 11. Out of 42 local governments participating in the referendum, 17 voted to keep their seats, and twenty-five to disestablish theirs – showing many regions against guaranteed Māori representation.

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

Opposition parties however have criticised the new policy as “discriminatory” and “against Indigenous interests”. After assuming power, the current administration has ushered in extensive reversals to measures designed to enhance Māori health, wellbeing and representation. Officials has stated it wants to end “ethnic-specific” policies, and says it is committed to enhancing results for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

The results of the referendums were divided down urban-rural lines – most cities required to vote supported Māori wards, while rural regions leaned strongly towards removing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Criticism

The recent municipal polls registered the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, leading to demands for reform.

This approach had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are able to establish different wards – such as rural wards – without initially mandating a community ballot. The disparate requirements placed on Māori wards indicated the administration was singling out Māori representation.

“Well, they failed. Numerous localities have given the government a middle finger response.”

This statement referred to the 17 areas that voted to keep their wards.