Councillors voted to establish the Te Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Ward in Wellington in 2021. The first Māori ward councillor was elected in 2022.
About the poll
Following a recent law change, any council that established a Māori ward since 2020 without holding a poll, is required to hold a poll during their 2025 local elections.
Anyone who is enrolled to vote, whether on the Māori or general electoral roll, is eligible to vote in the poll.
What you're voting for
The poll question is:
I vote to KEEP Māori wards; or
I vote to REMOVE Māori wards.
The outcome of the poll will bind the Council for the 2028 and 2031 elections. After that, the Council may undertake a review of its Māori ward arrangements. No matter the outcome of the poll, the Māori ward will remain in place until the 2028 election.
Voters will also be asked whether they want to KEEP or REMOVE Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Māori constituency.
Voting opens on 9 September and closes at noon 11 October 2025. See How to vote for more information.
About the Māori ward
Wellington city is divided into six wards - five geographic wards and the Te Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Ward.
The Māori ward was established in 2021 to provide guaranteed Māori representation in Council decision-making.
Māori wards are like Māori electorates in Parliament. Voters on the Māori roll are able to vote for Māori ward candidates, but not for candidates in any general ward. Voters on the general electoral roll are able to vote for candidates in their general ward, but not for the Māori ward.
If you’re Māori, you can choose to enrol on the Māori roll or general roll for the 2025 election. If you wish to change rolls, you must do so before 10 July 2025.
Māori ward councillors have the same responsibility as general ward councillors to represent the entire community. All councillors make a declaration that they will carry out their duties in the best interests of the residents and ratepayers in the area they are elected to represent.
Contact us
Electoral Officials
Email: election@wcc.govt.nz