The referendum on Māori Wards is part of the local body elections that close on 11 October 2025. There will be a specific question about the Wards if your Council is one of the 42 holding a Referendum.

 

This is what the Vote 2025 (www.votelocal.co.nz) says…

 

“Anyone who is currently enrolled can vote in local elections where they live and have a say on the people who will make decisions on what happens in your region over the next three years. In New Zealand, all local body elections are held by postal vote.

 

Voters who are enrolled on the Māori electoral roll or the general electoral roll by Friday 1 August 2025 will receive their voting document in the mail. People can still enrol after this date but they will need to cast a special vote. 

 

The local authority elections are postal elections. Voting documents will be delivered from Tuesday 9 to Monday 22 September and include a free return envelope.

 

It is recommended votes be posted back to a street receiver post box by Tuesday 7 October 2025 to ensure councils get them before the close of voting.

 

After 7 October 2025, votes are able to be returned to councils’ secure ballot boxes in council facilities, Woolworths Supermarkets and selected Fresh Choice, Super Value, Pak’n Save, New World, Four Square, stores. 

 

More information about this will be on councils’ websites closer to the election. The close of voting is midday on Saturday 11 October 2025”.