Wairoa District Council confirmed its electoral system approach at a recent full Council meeting.

Elected members resolved to retain the First Past the Post electoral system for the next triennial election in 2028 and to retain Māori wards for the 2028 and 2031 triennial elections.

The decision aligns with legislative requirements under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001.

Electors of the Wairoa District Council have a right to demand a poll at any time to countermand the use of the First Past the Post electoral system and the decision to retain Māori wards.

If a valid demand for a poll on either of these resolutions is received by 11 December 2026, a poll will be held by 28 March 2027 on whether the First Past the Post or the Single Transferable Voting electoral system be used and whether the Council should be divided into one or more Māori wards for the next two triennial elections.

Council’s resolution is made despite the government’s Simplifying Local Government process.

For more information on these resolutions and countermand conditions, please head to www.wairoadc.govt.nz/public-notices/notice-of-decision-to-retain-maori-ward-and-right-to-demand-a-poll and www.wairoadc.govt.nz/public-notices/notice-of-electoral-system-and-right-to-demand-a-poll

9 September 2026

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