If you live, own property, or pay rates in the Waikato district, you may be able to vote in the local elections. But first, you need to enrol.
Are you enrolled?
If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older, you can enrol to vote.
To check if you're enrolled or update your details, check out vote.nz
Enrol or update online
Or call 0800 36 76 56 and ask for an enrolment form.
It's not too late, you have until 1 August 2025 to get enrolled. If you enrol after 1 August 2025, you'll need to do a special vote.
What is a special vote?
If you're not yet enrolled, recently turned 18 or have moved into the district after 1 August 2025, you will need to do a special vote to take part in the elections.
To complete a special vote, you need to:
- Enrol on the Parliamentary electoral roll by 7 October 2025 (it's quick and easy to do online at vote.nz)
- Request a special vote from Council or Election Services (phone 800 922 822)
Both steps need to be completed in order for a special vote to be counted.
Your roll choice
If you’re of Maaori descent and enrolling for the first time, you have an special decision to make. You need to choose which electoral roll you want to be on: the general roll or the Maaori roll. The roll you choose will decide which electorate you vote
in.
Once you’ve enrolled, you can switch rolls during the Maaori Electoral Option which takes place every 5 or 6 years after the Census. If you’re already enrolled, you won’t be able
to change rolls before the 2025 local elections.
Find out more about the Maaori roll
Types of enrolment
Residential roll – You’re automatically on this roll if you live in Waikato District and have enrolled with the Electoral Commission. You will receive a voting document so that you can vote by post.
Ratepayer roll - Own property in the Waikato District but live elsewhere? You might qualify to vote here too. You’ll need to fill out a separate form.
Your eligibility to enrol or be nominated as a ratepayer elector may also depend on your individual circumstances as determined by criteria in the Local Electoral Act 2001 and its regulations.
If you believe you meet the criteria to enrol as a ratepayer elector, please read and complete the form below. Fill it in and email it to ratepayer@electionservices.co.nz or post it to Electoral Officer, PO Box 5135, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142.