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Māori constituencies referendum

Since the 2022 elections, Horizons Regional Council has had two Māori constituencies: Raki Māori and Tonga Māori. Horizons was required to hold a referendum during the 2025 council elections on the future of these constituencies.

The final referendum result was delivered on Saturday 18 October. The majority voted to keep Horizons' Māori constituencies. This means they will remain in place until at least the 2034 elections. You can find the full 2025 election results, including the outcome of the referendum, here.

What is a Māori constituency?

Sometimes called a Māori ward, a Māori constituency is where only those on the Māori Parliamentary electoral roll vote for the candidates in that constituency. These Māori constituencies sit alongside the general constituencies of the region.

Māori wards and constituencies aim to ensure Māori are represented in the decisions made by councils, similar to the dedicated electorate seats in Parliament. They enable councils to better honour the principle of partnership committed to in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and provide greater opportunities for Māori to contribute to the decision-making processes of councils.

In the Horizons Region, the Tonga Māori constituency encompasses the Palmerston North, Horowhenua and Tararua general constituencies, while Raki Māori encompasses the Manawatū-Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Ruapehu general constituencies.

People on the Māori roll in the Horizons Region have the chance to vote for candidates who stand for their relevant constituency. They, like all other voters, get to vote in one constituency. For example, someone on the Māori roll living in Ruapehu would vote for someone to represent them in the Raki Māori constituency. Someone in Ruapehu on the general roll, however, would vote for someone in the Ruapehu constituency.

The Māori constituencies will be in place for the 2025-2028 council term. That means it’s important you are on the right roll before the election so you can vote in the constituency you want. You can get more information on enrolment at vote.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.

Every councillor represents everyone

Regardless of their constituency, every councillor takes an oath to represent the whole community. Horizons councillors are dedicated to working for all residents and ratepayers.

Who can take part in the referendum?

If you are enrolled to vote in the Horizons Region, you get a vote in the referendum. Make sure you’re enrolled to vote, and that your details are up to date, so we know where to send your voting papers. You can do this at vote.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.

What happens after the referendum?

Horizons is required to apply the results of the referendum for council elections in 2028 and 2031.