Māori Ward Referendum 2025

What’s happening?

As part of the 2025 local government elections, the South Taranaki District Council will be holding a binding referendum on the future of its Māori wards (Te Tai Tonga and Te Kūrae).

Everyone enrolled in the South Taranaki District, whether on the general roll or Māori roll, is eligible to vote in the referendum.

Voters will be asked:

• Whether the Council should keep or remove the Māori Wards.
• Whether Taranaki Regional Council should keep or remove their one Māori Constituency.

Why is there a referendum?

In 2024, the Government amended the Local Electoral Act 2001, requiring councils with Māori wards or constituencies to hold a binding referendum in 2025, unless one has already been held.

• Note: This referendum will not affect the 2025 election. The Council elected in October 2025 will include two Māori ward councillors. The outcome of the referendum will determine whether the Māori wards continue in the 2028 elections and beyond.

The referendum will be held alongside the 2025 local elections. Voting papers will be delivered between 9 - 22 September 2025, and voting closes at 12 noon on 11 October 2025.

What do Māori Wards do?

Māori wards and constituencies in local government:

• Are similar to Māori electorates in central government.
• Provide dedicated representation for Māori.
• Allow voters on the Māori Electoral Roll to vote for Māori ward candidates, instead of candidates in other wards.

Similar to Councillors elected in other wards, Māori ward councillors represent all residents of the district once elected.

What happens after the referendum?

The result is binding. This means:

• ✔️ If the majority vote to keep the Māori wards, they will remain in place for the 2028 election and beyond.
• ❌ If the majority vote to remove the Māori wards, they will be disestablished from the 2028 election onwards.

Further information

For more on the elections and the referendum, including voting information, see the Elections page. The VoteLocal website also includes information on Māori ward/constituency referendums across the country: About Māori wards and constituencies - Vote 25 | Pōti 25

If you have questions about the referendum or your enrolment, please contact:

Sara Dymond
Deputy Electoral Officer
0800 111 323
sara.dymond@stdc.govt.nz