Jack Karetai-Barrett

Māori wards in New Zealand have been a big topic in local government, especially when it comes to fair representation and Te Tiriti obligations.

These wards give Māori a dedicated voice in decision-making, similar to Māori electorates in Parliament. But their introduction has been controversial, with laws changing back and forth over the years. There is so much disinformation, sometimes deliberately spread by people who don’t agree with them, and I see that misunderstanding in letters to the newspaper.

In 2001, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council was the first to set up Māori constituencies. For the years after this, councils needed to hold local referendums, gaining majority support, before creating Māori wards, and these votes usually ended in rejection since the Māori voter turnout was low. I recently found out that councils can establish any wards they like, without a referendum, and it is only Māori wards where a referendum needs to take place.  This does not seem democratic to me.

What makes Māori wards so important is that Māori voter turnout tends to be lower than the general population and therefore any Māori candidates standing in the general seats can’t get enough votes.

This isn't because Māori don’t care about politics, but rather due to a deep-seated mistrust in the systems that have been used against Māori for so long. Many feel that voting doesn’t lead to real change, as decisions are often made without truly considering Māori perspectives.

The failure of past governments to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi contribute to this frustration. Instead of engaging through voting, some choose other forms of activism, such as protest or direct involvement in their communities.

Over the years the activism has attracted the attention of many non-Māori who have taken the time to understand the issues and have support Māori in gaining the right to representation. I remember Ruth Gerzon, Nándor Tánczos, and Danae Lee from the last time we went through this. Recently I had a big conversation with Dave Stewart and I know he understands the issue. We need more people to understand why Māori wards matter.

In 2021, the Labour Government finally scrapped the referendum rule, making it easier for councils to introduce Māori wards. This led to a big increase in the number of wards, with more than half of regional councils and nearly half of territorial authorities adopting Māori Wards by the 2022 local elections.

Then, sadly, in 2024, the National, New Zealand First, and Act coalition Government reversed that decision, bringing back the referendum requirement - but only for Māori wards. Councils that introduced Māori wards without a vote now have to either hold a binding poll in 2025 or get rid of the wards altogether.

Today, in 2025, the debate is still heated. Supporters say Māori wards are essential for fair representation and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Opponents, including groups such as Hobson’s Pledge, say they create division. But it is the absence of Māori wards that create division. Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has criticised the government’s decision, calling it an overreach that takes power away from councils.

Because of Māori wards, Māori representation in local government is the highest it's ever been. But voter engagement is still a concern, with some saying the issue isn’t disengagement, but rather frustration with the system itself.

The Māori economy, particularly in regions like ours, plays a crucial role in local development. With significant assets in forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism, Māori businesses contribute billions to the economy. In areas strengthening Māori representation in governance isn’t just about politics—it directly affects economic decision-making, resource management, and regional prosperity; it creates a future for my generation. Councils with Māori voices at the table are better equipped to support Māori-led economic initiatives that benefit entire communities.

With the 2025 local elections coming up, the future of Māori wards is up in the air. The results of the referendums will decide whether these wards stay or go, shaping what local representation looks like going forward. When I look into our council, I want to see myself reflected in the people who represent me. Without Māori wards, that won’t happen.

With all of this in mind, my perspective on representation, local decision-making, and the role of Māori voices in governance becomes clear. My experiences and observations show how these issues go beyond politics and affect people in real ways.

When I was 10 years old, Toni Boynton, Māwera Karetai (my mum), and I travelled to Wellington, to the steps of our Parliament, bringing a kete filled with signatures from people who wanted the law to change.

The kete hangs on a wall in our home as a daily reminder. We weren’t alone on that day. Tāmati Coffey, Nanaia Mahuta, and a crowd of passionate supporters stood with us. The weight of that moment still stays with me—the collective hope, and the determination that Māori have a right to a seat at the governance table.

It wasn’t just about policy; it was about being heard, about taking up space in a system that had too often left Māori voices out. Standing there with my mum, I understood that change doesn’t come easily, but when people come together with purpose, it becomes possible. It's this experience that has led me to become a writer and to join our Whakatāne District Youth Council

I encourage people who might have voted against Māori wards in the past to think about why they did and to fact check the information they based their decision on. One of the worst mistruths is that Māori got more than one vote under Māori wards. That is not true. If you are on the Māori roll, you only get to vote for the councillors standing in the Māori ward seats, and people on the general roll get to vote for the general ward candidates. Everyone got to vote for the mayor and community board members. The only people who get more than one vote are people who own more than one property - they get a vote for every council ward they own properties in. Something to think about.