Matamata-Piako votes to remove Māori wards
In the 2025 local election, Matamata-Piako voters made a clear decision. 6,446 voted to remove the Māori ward, while 3,728 wanted to keep it.
This result means Māori representation on the council will return to the general wards system that was in place during 2021. The poll was held alongside council elections, the voter return was 45.69%, being 11,570 votes, including special votes.
The result comes from a district known for its strong rural identity, stretching from dairy farms and racehorses in Matamata to the tight-knit townships of Morrinsville and Te Aroha.
According to Stats NZ, Māori make up around 18.6% of the district’s 37,000 residents, while 83% identify as European or Pakeha. The Māori population has slowly risen over recent years and is younger on average than the district’s European population.
Matamata-Piako’s decision reflects a broader trend across rural New Zealand, where several districts have also voted to remove Māori wards. For many, the vote has reignited conversations about what representation means in small-town communities where traditions often guide change at a slower pace.
Reaction on Facebook showed a mix of support, frustration and disappointment
“Wth🤬 so so angry- whats wrong with people????? We are fighting the government and now this🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️ Toitu te Tiriti❤️🤍🖤” Wrote Jude Broughton
Another user, Taki Peeke expressed similar frustration, “What did you expect from this redneck area of Matter-matter pea-air-coh”
Others supported the result.
“Everyone has the opportunity to run for council and the same chance as everybody, not to be just handed it on a plate, fight for it if you want to stand, that’s how democracy works”, commented Tony Heaven.
Other comments were more blunt, “Good riddance” wrote Petra Kroes, responding to a post about districts removing Māori wards.
The referendum on Māori wards was reinstated by the National-led coalition government after the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024 was passed in July 2024. Referendums were held in 27 local councils and 5 regional councils with 18 retaining Māori wards and 24 voting to remove.
In Waikato, Hamilton City Council voters said yes to retaining Māori Wards, with Waipa, Waikato, Otorohonga, Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki District Councils all voting to remove.
