Information about the Maori Ward Referendum
Following the introduction of the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Maori Wards and Maori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024, any council (city, district or region) that established Maori Wards or constituencies since 2020 without holding a poll, is required to hold a poll with their 2025 elections.
The poll is taking place because the Government wants the community to make the decision on whether it wants Māori wards or constituencies. The Government has reinstated Māori ward/constituency polls that were removed from legislation in 2022.
Polls at the 2025 local elections are a compulsory step councils must take where they established Māori wards or constituencies after 2020 without holding a poll.
Explanation of the issue and why there is a referendum
New Plymouth District Council established Maori Wards in 2022 (by resolution, without having a poll of the community) and, as such, is required to hold a poll with its 2025 elections.
The Taranaki Regional Council is also required to hold a poll with its 2025 elections.
Both the New Plymouth District Council and the Taranaki Regional Council are required to be neutral on these polls.
Although the decision will be made in 2025 from the poll result, it will be three years before it is actioned. The decision with this 2025 poll is BINDING, the majority vote must be implemented.
What will be in the voting papers for the Maori Ward Referendum ?
The poll, for all electors, is a vote to KEEP or REMOVE Maori Wards or constituencies.
With your voting papers you will have the option to:
KEEP the Maori Ward, or
REMOVE the Maori Ward
The outcome of this poll is BINDING.The majority vote of the poll will decide the future of Māori wards for both the NPDC and the Taranaki Regional Council.
