Our next local election and a binding poll on Maaori wards is on Saturday 11 October 2025
Voting ensures you have a say on what’s important to you, your whaanau, your haapu, your town, your rohe, and your community.
Ask yourself – are the candidates the best people to support and grow your community? If you feel
your voice isn’t being heard on the issues that matter – it’s time to speak up!
The elections are held every three years by postal vote.
Enrol or update your details online
Maaori ward poll 2025
During the Local Elections 2025, you’ll also be asked to vote in a binding poll on whether you support keeping or removing Maaori wards in the Waikato District.
Maaori wards provide a way for Maaori to contribute to decision-making and have representation at council.
Although the decision will be made in 2025 from the poll result, it will be three years before it is actioned. If the poll result favours abolishing Maaori wards, there will not be an electoral contest for them in 2028. Conversely, if the poll result favours keeping Maaori wards there will be an electoral contest for them at the local elections in 2028 and 2031.
Waikato District Council resolved to incorporate Maaori Wards within its 2021 Representation Review, once the previous legislation to hold a binding poll was removed, and to recognise the long-standing partnership that we hold with Waikato-Tainui and other iwi.
Successful Maaori ward candidates become councillors at council. While councillors have a responsibility to represent their communities, Maaori ward councillors have a particular responsibility to represent people of Maaori descent and bring forward their views and aspirations. However, they also represent the entire community in our District.
Election protocols for elected members
The election protocols for elected members provide guidance for the current mayor and councillors to balance their dual role as elected members and candidates seeking re-election.