Māori Ward

A Māori ward is a ward where electors on the Māori roll vote for candidates standing for election in a Māori ward.

Only people of Māori descent can enrol on the Māori roll and vote for candidates standing for election in a Māori ward.

A candidate standing for election in a Māori ward does not have to be of Māori descent or on the Māori roll.

To be eligible to stand for election in a Māori ward, you must be:

• a New Zealand Citizen (by birth or citizenship ceremony); and
• enrolled on the Parliamentary electoral roll anywhere in New Zealand; and
• nominated by two electors whose names appear on the Māori roll within the Whangārei District Māori Ward.

Candidates cannot stand for the General and Māori wards at the same time.

No. People enrolled on the Māori electoral roll can only vote for candidates in a Māori ward and cannot vote for candidates in a General ward.

Similarly, people who are enrolled on the General electoral can only vote for candidates in a General ward but not for candidates in a Māori ward. 

No. All councillors, whether elected from General or Māori wards, represent the entire community in the District. 

The number of councillors (for both Māori and general wards) is based on the number of people living in each area. Each councillor should represent a similar number of people.

The Whangārei District Māori Ward is represented by 2 Māori ward councillors.