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The number of reserved positions for Indigenous council members on NZ local authorities is set to be slashed by over 50%, after a controversial legislative amendment that forced local governments to put the fate of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have one or more councillors depending on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to give Māori electors the choice to vote for a guaranteed Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Initially, councils were only able to create a Indigenous seat by first putting it to a public vote in their region. Communities often devoted considerable time generating community backing and urging their local governments to establish Māori wards.

Legislative Shifts and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the former administration permitted local councils to set up a Māori ward without first requiring them to put it to a public vote.

However, this year, the right-wing coalition government reversed the change, stating communities ought to determine whether to establish Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change required local authorities that had established a ward under the previous policy to hold binding referendums alongside the local body elections, which concluded on October 11. Of 42 councils participating in the referendum, 17 decided to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

The results represented “a crucial move in reinstating community self-determination.”

Critics nevertheless have criticised the government’s law change as “discriminatory” and “against Indigenous interests”. After assuming power, the coalition government has implemented extensive reversals to measures designed to enhance Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. The government has said it wants to terminate “race-based” approaches, and says it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Indigenous people and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes 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 a real shame for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re only just starting to hit their stride.”

Electoral Participation and Concerns

This year’s municipal polls recorded the smallest electoral participation in over three decades, with less than a third of citizens casting a vote, prompting calls for an overhaul.

This approach had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are permitted to establish other types of wards – including rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The different conditions placed on Māori wards indicated the administration was singling out Māori representation.

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

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