Decide Together
Thrive Together
VOTE to keep
Māori Wards

No matter who we are or where we come from, most of us want a future where people and the environment are well cared for.

But we are seeing a rise in social division and diversion from the issues that really matter to us. This has led to councils making decisions that don’t reflect all of our shared knowledge, wisdom and concerns.

Māori wards have been a positive solution to division and diversion. By bringing in Māori culture, knowledge and ways of life, councils have become a better reflection of our communities. Māori ward councillors have helped harness our collective strength by weaving our communities together so our councils can make better, long-term decisions that benefit all of us, and the places we love.

What are Māori wards?

Māori wards or constituencies are seats on local councils that represent Māori who otherwise might not have a voice in local decisions. People enrolled on the Māori electoral roll vote for candidates standing for Māori wards. Similarly, people enrolled on the general electoral roll vote for candidates standing for general wards. People can only be on one electoral roll at one time.

Māori ward councillors have a responsibility to represent the interests of Māori communities, as well as contributing to the wider community too.

Not every council has a Māori ward - some have other arrangements to represent Māori voices, and some choose not to have specific Māori representation.

What are the benefits of Māori wards?

Māori wards work with fellow councillors to care for the people and our environment

Māori wards work with fellow councillors to care for the people and our environment

No matter who we are, or where we come from, most of us want a future where people and the environment are well-cared for.

By locking the door to Māori representation on councils, the people and the land are left worse off.

This is because many Māori are guided by the principles of manaaki (care, generosity, aroha) for all people, and kaitiakitanga (protection, guardianship) of the natural world around us. Māori representatives can bring a deep connection to the place and people in a local area - sometimes spanning hundreds of years. Care for people and the places we love is an obligation - not just a nice-to-have.

This means Māori ward councillors have worked together with their fellow councillors to help protect local waterways, native wildlife and precious places in their area. They’ve driven policies that benefit everyone, such as improving accessibility to our community facilities.

Voting to keep Māori wards is how we open the door to decisions that put care for our people and environment at the forefront of local and regional decision making.

Māori wards help weave our communities together

Māori wards help weave our communities together

When we come together across backgrounds and genuinely listen to each other - it leads to more connected and cohesive communities - and better decision making as a result.

However, some people in politics don’t listen to people on the ground, or work together for the public good as they need to in challenging times. It can also lead to unnecessary division and conflict between us.

Māori ward councillors have helped weave stronger bonds between communities. They are often skilled at bringing people together from different backgrounds in kotahitanga (unity, togetherness) to solve complex problems. For example, activating community responses to natural disasters, and being a ‘bridge’ for groups who would otherwise not have a say in local councils.

Keeping our Māori wards is one concrete action we can take to ensure our communities are connected and cohesive, which results in better decisions for all of us.

Māori wards contribute to wise long-term decisions

Māori wards contribute to wise long-term decisions

Responsible leaders are those who are both wise and bold enough to face our current challenges and plan for the long term.

Our councils are facing difficult times. Post-pandemic inflation and corporate profiteering has driven up costs on everything from infrastructure to insurance. Increasing climate events and social division make decision-making even more complex and high stakes.

Māori communities are used to navigating tough challenges while maintaining a long term vision. If you’ve spent much time on the marae, you will know the people involved are resilient, thoughtful and can make things happen in the blink of an eye.

So when Māori culture, knowledge and ways of life are reflected in discussions and decision making, our councils can make better long-term decisions that benefit us all.

Māori wards ensure that we have different kinds of wisdom and skills at the table, so our entire community can thrive.

Māori wards create a democracy that fits us better

Māori wards create a democracy that fits us better

When we make decisions about our future we need to include all of our communities’ needs, goals, knowledge and solutions.

However, one size fits all decision making means many communities get excluded in local and regional decision making. This leads us to flawed decisions that might look good on the surface, but don’t genuinely solve the problem.

In local and regional government we know we need to make decisions that are better fit for rural communities which is why we have rural wards. We also need to make decisions that are a better fit for Māori, and this is why we have Māori wards.

When all of our community needs are heard and met, we find solutions that are a good fit for everyone.

Is my council voting on a Māori ward?

This year, 42 councils will be voting on whether to keep their Māori ward. The map below shows the councils who will be asking you to vote.

Show full list of councils
  • Central Hawke's Bay District Council
  • Far North District Council
  • Gisborne District Council
  • Greater Wellington Regional Council
  • Hamilton City Council
  • Hastings District Council
  • Hauraki District Council
  • Hawke's Bay Regional Council
  • Horizons Regional Council
  • Horowhenua District Council
  • Kāpiti Coast District Council
  • Kawerau District Council
  • Lower Hutt City Council
  • Manawatū District Council
  • Marlborough District Council
  • Masterton District Council
  • Matamata-Piako District Council
  • Napier City Council
  • Nelson City Council
  • New Plymouth District Council
  • Northland Regional Council
  • Ōtorohanga District Council
  • Palmerston North City Council
  • Porirua City Council
  • Rangitīkei District Council
  • Rotorua District Council
  • Ruapehu District Council
  • South Taranaki District Council
  • South Wairarapa District Council
  • Stratford District Council
  • Taranaki Regional Council
  • Tararua District Council
  • Tasman District Council
  • Taupō District Council
  • Thames-Coromandel District Council
  • Waikato District Council
  • Waipa District Council
  • Wellington City Council
  • Western Bay of Plenty District Council
  • Whakatāne District Council
  • Whanganui District Council
  • Whangārei District Council

How to Vote

This year’s local body elections will take place from 9 September to 11 October.

If you are enrolled to vote in your local election, you will receive your voting papers in the mail, which will include both the referendum and candidate selection. Simply fill out your papers and follow the instructions to return them to your council.

If you are not enrolled to vote, you can enrol here before the 1st of August. If you are not enrolled, you can still vote by casting a ‘special vote.’ Find out from your local council website about how to make a special vote.

If you live overseas, enrol early with an overseas postal address in order to receive your voting papers by mail.

Visit VoteLocal for more information about voting

Spread the word!

If you’d like to spread the word about Māori wards, you can download free printable resources below: