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The count of guaranteed positions for Māori representatives on New Zealand local authorities will be slashed by over 50%, after a divisive law change that forced municipal councils to put the future of hard-won Māori seats to a public vote.

Background Information on Māori Wards

Māori wards, which may have multiple councillors based on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to provide Māori electors the option to vote for a guaranteed Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Initially, councils could only create a Indigenous seat by initially submitting it to a public vote in their area. Communities often devoted considerable time building community backing and urging their councils to establish Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the former administration allowed local councils to establish a Indigenous seat without initially mandating them to subject it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration reversed the change, stating local residents should decide whether to introduce Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The new legislation required councils that had created a ward under the previous policy to hold decisive public votes concurrently with the municipal polls, which concluded on October 11. Out of 42 local governments participating in the referendum, 17 decided to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – revealing many regions against guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes provided “a crucial move in restoring community self-determination.”

Opposition parties nevertheless have criticised the government’s law change as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. After assuming power, the current administration has implemented extensive reversals to policies intended to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it aims to end “ethnic-specific” approaches, and asserts it is committed to enhancing results for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

The results of the public votes were divided down urban-rural lines – most urban centers mandated to hold referendums backed Indigenous seats, while countryside areas skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

“It's unfortunate for the Indigenous seats that had recently been established – they’re only just starting to find their footing.”

Voter Turnout and Concerns

This year’s municipal polls registered the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with less than a third of eligible voters casting a vote, prompting demands for reform.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are permitted to create other types of wards – including countryside seats – without initially mandating a public vote. The disparate requirements applied to Māori wards indicated the government was targeting Māori representation.

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

This statement concerned the 17 regions that voted to retain their seats.