Māori Ward Poll 2025

Following a recent law change, any council that established a Māori ward since 2020 without holding a poll, is required to hold a poll during their 2025 local elections.

Anyone who is enrolled to vote, whether on the Māori or general electoral roll, is eligible to vote in the poll that will be included in your 2025 Local Election voting papers.

What you’re voting for 

The poll question is:

I vote to KEEP Māori wards; or
I vote to REMOVE Māori wards.

The outcome of the poll will bind the Council for the 2028 and 2031 elections. After that, the Council may undertake a review of its Māori ward arrangements. No matter the outcome of the poll, the Māori ward will remain in place until the 2028 election.

Voters will also be asked whether they want to KEEP or REMOVE Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Māori constituency.

Voting opens on 9 September and closes at noon 11 October 2025. 

To read more about Māori Wards, click here.

Got questions? Contact us:

Phone: 06 306 9611  
Email: elections@swdc.govt.nz