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The number of guaranteed positions for Māori representatives on NZ local authorities will be slashed by over 50%, following a controversial law change that required municipal councils to submit the future of hard-earned Māori seats to a popular referendum.

Background Information on Māori Wards

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have one or more councillors based on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to provide Indigenous voters the option to vote for a assured Indigenous council member in local and regional authorities. Originally, local governments were only able to establish a Indigenous seat by initially submitting it to a public vote in their area. Local populations often devoted considerable time generating local support and urging their councils to establish Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the previous Labour government permitted municipal authorities to establish a Indigenous seat without first requiring them to subject it to a public vote.

But in 2024, the right-wing coalition government overturned the policy, saying communities should decide whether to introduce Indigenous representation.

Voting Outcomes

The coalition’s law change required local authorities that had created a electoral district under Labour’s rules to conduct binding referendums alongside the municipal polls, which concluded on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments participating in the public vote, 17 decided to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – revealing many regions against guaranteed Māori representation.

The results provided “a vital step in reinstating local democratic control.”

Critics nevertheless have condemned the new policy as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented sweeping rollbacks to policies intended to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it aims to terminate “race-based” policies, and asserts it is committed to enhancing results for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes of the referendums 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 unfortunate for the Māori wards that had only just come in – they’re just beginning to hit their stride.”

Voter Turnout and Concerns

The recent municipal polls recorded the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, leading to demands for reform.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Councils are permitted to establish other types of electoral districts – such as rural wards – without initially mandating a community ballot. The different conditions placed on Indigenous representation indicated the administration was singling out Indigenous inclusion.

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

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