The Len Reynolds Trust exists to foster strong, inclusive communities across Aotearoa. Central to that vision is equity in decision-making - ensuring all people, especially those historically underrepresented, have a genuine voice in shaping the places we live.
In 2021, discriminatory referendum requirements for Māori wards were removed, meaning councils could introduce Māori wards in the same way as general wards - without being forced into costly, one-off polls that allowed the majority to decide the rights of a minority. This was a significant step forward for equity and representation.
The 2024 Reversal
In July 2024, the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act was passed by the current Government, restoring the requirement for binding polls on Māori wards.
Under this change, 45 councils that had introduced Māori wards since 2021 were forced to either remove them or hold binding referendums at the 2025 local elections - funded from their own budgets. Two councils, Kaipara District and Upper Hutt City, chose to disestablish their Māori wards entirely, while the rest voted to retain them subject to upcoming polls.
The law change has been widely criticised. Fifty-four mayors and council chairs signed a joint letter calling the policy “an overreach on local decision-making.” At Local Government New Zealand’s conference, 83.5% of councils backed a remit opposing the referendum requirement. Critics argue that the change undermines Te Tiriti o Waitangi, entrenches inequity, and promotes division.
Our Response in 2025
In early 2025, the Len Reynolds Trust provided funding to ActionStation to support their campaign to protect Māori wards from this reversal. This support is grounded in our belief that:
No other ward type is treated this way - rural, urban, or general wards can be established without polls.
Minority rights should not be decided by majority vote - this undermines the purpose of representative democracy.
We know that better representation leads to better decisions, stronger community connections, and more equitable outcomes for everyone. Māori wards are not a favour or a concession - they are a mechanism for fulfilling the promises embedded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Our Position
The Len Reynolds Trust continues to support efforts to protect Māori representation in local government. We believe the 2024 law change is a step backwards, weakening local democracy and making it harder for councils to act in partnership with mana whenua.
We stand with communities, councils, and organisations challenging this change - through public advocacy, legal avenues, and direct action. This is about fairness, inclusion, and the kind of Aotearoa we want our mokopuna to inherit.