Notice of Decision to Retain Māori Ward and Right to Demand a Poll

Notice of Decision to Retain Māori Ward and Right to Demand a Poll

Notice is given under section 19ZA of the Local Electoral Act 2001, that the Wairoa District Council resolved on 1 September 2026 to retain Māori wards for the 2028 and 2031 triennial elections.

Electors of the Wairoa District Council have a right to demand a poll at any time to countermand this resolution and to hold a poll on the question whether the Council should be divided into one or more Māori wards.

Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 11 December 2026, a poll will be held by 28 March 2027 on whether Council should be divided into one or more Māori wards for the next two triennial elections in 2028 and 2031.

Should a valid demand be received after 11 December 2026, a poll will be held after 28 March 2027, with the outcome applicable for the 2031 and 2034 triennial elections.

A valid demand must be –

• made in writing;
• signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of the Wairoa District Council. This equates to 285 elector signatures;
• delivered to the Wairoa District Council, 97 Queen Street, Wairoa by 4.30pm, Friday 11 December 2026 (for the outcome of the poll to apply for the 2028 and 2031 triennial elections of the Wairoa District Council).

Every elector who signs a demand must also set out in it their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of the Wairoa District Council.

This notice is given despite the government’s Simplifying Local Government process.

Dated at Wairoa
3 September 2026
Matthew Lawson, Chief Executive
Wairoa District Council