Dozens of candidates from across Te Ao Maori are expected to start lodging their nomination for Local Government elections from today – as nominations open.
As of the most recent figures in 2025:
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52 dedicated Māori ward seats were created across 27 district and regional councils in the 2022 review
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According to Local Government New Zealand, Māori representation on all councils has reached approximately 21.6 %, up from around 13.5 % in 2020
The exact current number of Māori councillors across all local governments depends on the total number of seats, which varies by council and tends to fluctuate. However, two key takeaways:
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52 councillors are specifically elected via Māori wards.
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Māori make up roughly one-fifth of all council seats nationwide.
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Dedicated Māori ward councillors: 52
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Total Māori councillors (including general wards): About 21–22 % of all local government seats in NZ
Aotearoa is gearing up for a significant round of local referendums on Māori wards and constituencies, taking place during the 11 October 2025 local elections. These polls were mandated by the 2024 amendment requiring councils to either hold referendums or dissolve Māori wards previously introduced without public vote. With 37 councils and five regional councils participating, the outcome could reshape local representation and Māori participation in local government across Aotearoa.
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Electoral power: The push for enrolment onto the Māori Roll highlights a powerful tool for strengthening Māori voices in Parliament and influencing national decision-making.
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Local representation: The upcoming referendum on Māori wards could either reinforce or reduce Māori representation at the council level, impacting local public policy and community outcomes.
At a gathering held at Opaea Marae near Taihape on 3 July 2025, the son of the late Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp, Te Manea Kauika‑Quinlan, made a passionate appeal for Māori to increase their electoral participation by enrolling on the Māori Roll. Speaking at his mother’s funeral service, he underscored how higher enrolment on the Māori Roll can amplify the Māori voice in Parliament. His call resonated with many in attendance and was endorsed by prominent community leaders, including co-leader Rawiri Waititi. This renewed push for electoral registration is seen as key in cementing Aotearoa’s democratic and Treaty-based future.
Far North Kahikā Moko Tepania (Te Rarawa/Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa) was voted New Zealand’s most popular Mayor.
“For what it’s worth, it’s a poll that shows some people resonate with the work myself, we in our council, are doing,” Tepania said when commenting in response.
“But it doesn’t mean we can sit down and have a rest. There’s still so much more work to do. No matter what the poll’s outcome is, we’re still going to give our all. I see too many problems day in and day out that need addressing,” Tepania said.
interested? Local Government NZ has put together a guide
