Voters will decide future of Māori Wards in local election

The future of Māori representation at district and regional level will be decided at the local elections this year. When voting for candidates to represent them locally, Far North residents and ratepayers will also be asked to vote in a binding poll about Māori wards and constituencies.

The Māori Ward Poll will ask voters to choose between two simple questions:

• “I vote to keep the Māori ward / constituency”
• “I vote to remove the Māori ward / constituency”

These questions apply to the Far North District Māori Ward and the Northland Regional Council Māori Constituency.

The result of the poll will determine whether this ward and constituency remain in place or are removed. The outcome of this voting will take effect from the 2028 local elections, with the decision being binding for the 2028 and 2031 elections.

Māori wards and constituencies are elected by voters registered on the Māori electoral roll to ensure that Māori are represented in local decision making. In the Far North, the Māori ward Ngā Tai o Tokerau, covers the entire district and is comprised of four councillors.

All enrolled residents and ratepayers are eligible to vote. Voting will be by postal ballot, with voting packs sent out from 9 September 2025.

To stay informed about this year’s election campaign, including key dates and candidate announcements, visit our Local Elections webpage. Prepare now. Check your enrolment details at vote.nz.