Reinstating the ability for polls on Māori wards 

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Updated 31 July 2024

The Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024 was passed on 30 July 2024 and has been enacted.

Under the amended Act, councils that established a Māori ward without holding a poll following the 2021 changes will be required to hold a poll at the 2025 local elections. If a council does not want to hold a poll at the 2025 local elections they will have the option to reverse their decisions on Māori wards. This would involve rescinding the decision if it has not yet been implemented, or disestablishing Māori wards if they are already in place.

The Department has updated the fact sheet to help councils understand the legislative requirements (PDF, 263KB)

The Department has also developed an updated flow chart outlining decision pathways for affected councils (PDF, 315KB)

Read: Frequently Asked Questions for Councils on the proposed Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill (PDF, 265KB)

The Act can be found here - Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024 No 28 (NZ Legislation website).