Māori Wards Referendum
As part of the 2025 local government elections, Rangitīkei District Council will be holding a binding referendum on the future of the Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) and the Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Māori wards.
Voters will be asked:
- Whether Rangitīkei District Council should keep or remove its Māori wards
- Whether Horizons Regional Council should keep or remove its two Māori Constituencies.
Note: This referendum will not affect the 2025 election. The Council elected in October 2025 will include Māori ward councillors. The outcome of the referendum will determine whether the Māori wards are retained for the 2028 and 2031 elections.
If the majority vote to keep the Māori wards, they’ll remain in place for the 2028 and 2031 elections.
If the majority vote to remove the Māori wards, they’ll be disestablished for the 2028 and 2031 elections and voters on the Māori electoral roll vote for the general wards instead.”
The referendum will be held alongside the 2025 local elections. Voting papers will be delivered from 9 September and voting closes at 12 noon on 11 October.
Facts about our Māori wards
Māori wards are similar to Māori electorates in central government. They provide dedicated representation for Māori people and their interests at the Council table.
The Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) and Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Māori wards were established in 2022 following a representation review by Council the previous year. These wards have one councillor each.
The Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) Māori ward serves the communities of Taihape, Mangaweka, Hunterville, Rātana, Whangaehu, Moawhango, Utiku, Rata, Ohingaiti, Mataroa, Kauangaroa. There are approximately 1,450 electors in this ward.
The Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Māori ward serves the communities of Marton, Bulls, Parewanui and Scotts Ferry. There are approximately 1,420 electors in this ward
Only those people on the Māori electoral roll.
No. Being on the Māori electoral roll does not entitle someone to more votes. Those on the Maori roll will vote for candidates in the relevant Maori ward, those on the general roll will vote for candidates in the relevant general ward.
All voters can vote for the Mayor and Community Board (if relevant).”
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. You can read more about the The Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024 here.
Anyone enrolled in the Rangitīkei District, whether on the general roll or Māori roll, is eligible to vote.
No. The Remuneration Authority sets remuneration for local government members. It allocates a pool of money towards elected members remuneration and reimbursement costs. That amount is ringfenced and doesn’t decrease if elected member roles are disestablished.