Māori Ward Referendum
As part of the 2025 local government elections, the Manawatū District Council will be holding a binding referendum on the future of its Māori ward (Ngā Tapuae o Mātangi).
Everyone enrolled in the Manawatū District, whether on the general roll or Māori roll, is eligible to vote in the referendum.
Voters will be asked:
- Whether the Council should keep or remove the Māori Ward.
- Whether Horizons Regional Council should keep or remove their two Māori Constituencies.
Regional councils have constituencies, while city and district councils have wards.
Why is there a referendum?
In 2024, the Government amended the Local Electoral Act 2001, requiring councils with Māori wards or constituencies to hold a binding referendum in 2025, unless one has already been held.
- Note: This referendum will not affect the 2025 election. The Council elected in October 2025 will include a Māori ward councillor. The outcome of the referendum will determine whether the Māori ward continues in the 2028 elections and beyond.
The referendum will be held alongside the 2025 local elections. Voting papers will be delivered from 9 September 2025, and voting closes at 12 noon on 11 October 2025.
What happens after the referendum?
The result is binding. This means:
- ✔️ If the majority vote to keep the Māori ward, it will remain in place for the 2028 election and beyond.
- ❌ If the majority vote to remove the Māori ward, it will be disestablished from the 2028 election onwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Māori wards and constituencies in local government:
- Are similar to Māori electorates in central government.
- Provide dedicated representation for Māori.
- Allow voters on the Māori Electoral Roll to vote for Māori ward candidates, instead of candidates in other wards (e.g., the Feilding ward and Rural ward).
Similar to Councillors elected in other wards, Māori ward councillors represent all residents of the district once elected.
Yes. Voters on the general electoral roll cannot vote for Māori ward candidates, and voters on the Māori elector roll cannot vote for general ward candidates (i.e., Feilding ward or Rural ward candidates).
Anybody can stand to run as a Māori Ward Councillor, regardless of whether they are enrolled on the general electoral roll or Māori elector roll, or whether they are of Māori descent or not.
No. The Remuneration Authority sets a pool of funds to be used for paying elected members, and the amount of this pool of money is unaffected by the number of Councillors, or whether there is a Māori Ward or not.
For example, if a Council chooses to increase its number of elected members, then each Councillor will on average be paid less than before, as the pool of money set to pay them remains the same.
History of Ngā Tapuae o Mātangi Māori Ward
Visit the following link for information about our previous Māori Ward and Representation Review: 2022 Māori Ward & Representation Review | Manawatū District Council
Further information
For more on the elections and the referendum, including voting information, see the Elections page. The VoteLocal website also includes information on Māori ward/constituency referendums across the country: About Māori wards and constituencies - Vote 25 | Pōti 25
If you have questions about the referendum or your enrolment, please contact:
Ash Garstang
Deputy Electoral Officer
06 323 0000
ash.garstang@mdc.govt.nz