Twenty-one years ago the Bay of Plenty Regional Council established the first Maori Ward in the country. Since then a further a further 41 Councils and Regional Councils either have, or will have, a Maori Ward in 2025.

Kāpiti Council decided in 2023 (and reaffirmed in 2024) to establish a Māori Ward, which under legislation in place at that time it was allowed to decide without the need to hold a poll. 

The Greater Wellington Regional Council also made a decision following this process to establish a Māori constituency. As a result, the Kāpiti Coast Māori ward and the Greater Wellington Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui Māori constituency will be in place for the 2025 local body elections.

Only those on the Māori electoral roll can vote for candidates standing for the Māori ward or constituency seats. Similarly, those on the general roll can only vote for candidates standing for general ward seats.

Any eligible person can stand in either Māori or general wards/constituencies.

Candidates do not need to be of Māori descent or on the Māori electoral roll to stand in a Māori ward/constituency, nor do they need to live within the boundaries of the ward/constituency.

But they must be New Zealand citizens, parliamentary electors, enrolled voters and nominated by two electors residing in the ward/constituency and enrolled on the relevant electoral roll they wish to stand in.

This means, anyone standing for the Māori ward or constituency must be nominated by electors residing within the boundaries of the Māori ward/constituency and is enrolled on the Māori electoral roll.

Māori Ward and Constituency Polls 2025

Although this Council’s Māori Ward and Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Māori constituency were established following legislation in place at the time, a change in legislation enacted in 2024 requires councils that established a Māori ward or constituency without a poll to now hold a poll at the same time as the 2025 local government election. The outcome of that poll will determine the future of the Māori ward/constituency and whether they remain in place for the 2028 and 2031 local elections or whether further representation reviews are required in 2027 to disestablish the ward/constituency until 2033.

Every elector eligible to vote in the Kāpiti Coast District and Greater Wellington elections can vote on whether to keep or remove the Māori ward/constituency. The poll on Māori wards/constituencies is binding. 

Regardless of the outcome of the poll, the Māori ward/constituency will be in place for the 2025-2028 triennium with a Māori ward/constituency councillor seated at the Council tables.

More Info relating to Maori Wards

About Māori wards and constituencies

What is the difference between a Māori ward and a Māori constituency? The answer is straightforward: Regional councils can have Māori constituencies – City and district councils can have Māori wards

What are Māori wards or constituencies?

Māori wards and constituencies in Local Government are the equivalent of Māori electorates, or seats, in Central Government. Their purpose is to provide specific democratic representation for Māori who otherwise may not have a voice in government. Only those on the Māori Parliamentary electoral roll can vote for candidates standing in the Māori wards and constituencies.

Māori wards and constituencies exist alongside general wards, covering the same geographic areas.

How long have Māori electorates, Māori wards and constituencies been around?

Māori electorates were established in 1867 and are a well-established part of New Zealand’s democracy. Māori wards and constituencies were brought into legislation much more recently in 2001.

Why is there debate about Māori wards and constituencies?

The discussion surrounding Māori representation has sparked differing opinions within communities. Polling residents on the establishment of Māori wards brings this issue to the forefront.

New Zealand’s history reflects both the strong partnership between Māori and the Crown, as well as periods of conflict over land, language, resources, and governance.

Establishing Māori wards and constituencies provides an inclusive and democratic avenue for councils to collaborate with Māori, fostering positive relationships and ensuring decisions benefit the entire community.

Why have Māori wards and constituencies?

Māori wards and constituencies guarantee Māori representation on a local authority and contribute to Māori participation in council decision-making as required under the Local Government Act 2002.

Are Māori wards and constituencies consistent with the principle of one person, one vote?

Yes. Voters in Māori wards and constituencies receive the same number of votes as those in general wards. In fact, there’s a statutory formula for determining the number of Māori ward/constituency seats. It is based on the total number of councillor positions available (other than the Mayor), and the proportion of those on the Māori roll compared to the general roll, per council area.  It is this provision that ensures that a vote in a Māori ward has broadly the same weight as a vote in any other ward.

Who is eligible to stand or vote in a Māori ward or constituency?

If your council has Māori wards or constituencies, the following rules apply:

• Standing for election: Any eligible person can stand in either Māori or general wards/constituencies. Candidates do not need to be of Māori descent or on the Māori electoral roll to stand in a Māori ward/constituency, but they must be New Zealand citizens, parliamentary electors, and nominated by two electors from the ward/constituency they are standing in.
• Voting: Only those on the Māori electoral roll can vote for candidates standing in Māori wards or constituencies. Similarly, those on the general roll can only vote for candidates standing in general wards.

Will my Council have Māori wards or constituencies for the period 2025-2028 and into the future?

If your council has Māori wards or constituencies in place now, (or if it has decided to establish them but they are not yet in place), then your council will have them for the 2025-2028 period.

Will my Council be running a poll asking the community whether they want Māori wards or constituencies at the 2025 elections?

If your council has Māori wards or constituencies in place now, (or if it has decided to establish them but they are not yet in place), it is also likely your council will be running a poll at the election asking voters whether they support keeping them or not.  The following lists set out council’s decisions on Māori wards or constituencies and whether they will be running a poll in 2025 or not.