Māori Ward and Binding Poll
In 2020/2021 Horowhenua District Council resolved unanimously to establish a Māori ward—a significant and progressive step at a time when only three other councils had Māori wards or constituencies in place. This decision was made possible by a legislative change that removed the poll provision, which had previously allowed council decisions to establish Māori wards to be overturned.
Following a representation review, it was determined that the district would have one ward representing the entire area for the 2022 local government elections:
- A Māori ward named 'Horowhenua Ward', represented by two councillors.
Changes to government legislation
Recent changes to government legislation required councils to decide by 6 September 2024 whether to retain or disestablish their Māori wards. If a council chose to retain its Māori ward, it must hold a binding referendum during the 2025 local elections, with costs borne by the council.
The Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024, enacted on 30 July 2024, outlines these requirements. Under the amended Act, councils that established Māori wards without a voter poll following the 2021 legislative changes must now hold a poll at the 2025 elections. Alternatively, councils may reverse their earlier decisions by either rescinding resolutions that have not yet been implemented or disestablishing Māori wards that are already in place.
Decision to retain the Horowhenua (Māori) Ward
On 4 September 2024, Horowhenua District Council voted 11-2 to retain the Horowhenua (Māori) Ward, following community feedback. An online survey conducted by Council received 513 responses, with 77.2% in favour of retaining the ward and 22.8% opposed. This decision reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to inclusive representation.
Under the amended legislation, councils that retain their Māori wards are required to hold a binding referendum as part of the 2025 local elections, giving ratepayers the final say on the ward’s future.
With the decision to retain the Horowhenua (Māori) Ward, Horowhenua District Council will now proceed with the necessary preparations for the referendum.