Māori Ward Poll 2025

Background

Following a recent law change, any council (city, district or region) that established Māori wards or Māori constituencies since 2020 without holding a poll, is required to hold a poll with their 2025 local elections. 

The poll is for all electors and is a vote to KEEP or REMOVE Māori wards or Māori constituencies in your local council area. The poll will be included in your 2025 Local Election voting papers. Voting opens on 9 September and closes at noon 11 October 2025. 

The outcome of the poll is binding and will apply for the next two triennial elections (2028 and 2031) of your local council area. 

What am I voting for?

The poll question is:

I vote to KEEP Māori wards (or Māori constituencies); or
I vote to REMOVE Māori wards (or Māori constituencies). 

Who is allowed to vote in this poll?

Anyone who is enrolled to vote, whether on the Māori or general electoral roll, is eligible to vote. 

What happens after we vote?

The outcome of the poll is binding and will apply for the next two triennial elections (2028 and 2031) for your local council area but will not apply for the 2025-2028 period. 

What are Māori wards and Māori constituencies?

Māori wards (for city or district councils) or Māori constituencies (for regional councils) are permitted under the Local Electoral Act 2001 to sit alongside general wards or general constituencies. These are similar to Māori seats in Parliamentary elections. 

Who votes for who?

Electors on the Māori electoral roll are able to vote for candidates for a Māori ward or Māori constituency, but not for candidates in any general ward or general constituency. In the same way, electors on the general electoral roll are able to vote for candidates for a general ward or general constituency, but not for candidates in any Māori ward or Māori constituency. Everyone votes for the mayor and, if applicable, community boards. 

Who do Māori wards and Māori constituency councillors represent?

Māori ward and Māori constituency councillors have the same responsibility as general ward and general constituency councillors to represent the entire community. All councillors make a declaration that they will carry out their duties in the best interests of the residents and ratepayers in the area they are elected to represent.

Where can I find more?

For more information, visit votelocal.co.nz/maori-wards-and-constituencies 

To read more about Māori Wards, click here.

Got questions? Contact us:

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