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The count of guaranteed seats for Indigenous council members on New Zealand local authorities is set to be cut by more than half, following a divisive law change that forced local governments to put the fate of hard-won Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Background Information on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which can include one or more councillors based on demographic data, were created in 2001 to give Indigenous voters the choice to elect a assured Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Originally, councils were only able to create a Indigenous seat by initially submitting it to a public vote in their area. Local populations often devoted considerable time building local support and pushing their local governments to create Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the former administration allowed municipal authorities to set up a Māori ward without first requiring them to put it to a popular ballot.

However, this year, the current administration reversed the change, saying communities should decide whether to establish Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The new legislation mandated local authorities that had established a ward under Labour’s rules to hold decisive public votes alongside the local body elections, which ended on October 11. Of 42 councils participating in the referendum, 17 voted to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – showing many regions against reserved Indigenous seats.

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

Critics nevertheless have criticised the government’s law change as “racist” and “against Indigenous interests”. After assuming power, the coalition government has implemented extensive reversals to policies designed to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. Officials has said it aims to end “race-based” approaches, and asserts it is committed to enhancing results for Māori and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes of the public votes were divided down urban-rural lines – most cities required to vote backed Māori wards, while rural regions skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

“It's unfortunate 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 registered the smallest electoral participation in 36 years, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, leading to demands for reform.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are able to create different electoral districts – such as rural wards – without initially mandating a public vote. The disparate requirements placed on Indigenous representation indicated the government was targeting Māori representation.

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

This remark concerned the 17 areas that chose to keep their seats.