Local elections 2025

13 regions have voted to remove Māori wards in the 2025 local elections, according to provisional results.

Tasman, Tararua, Taupō, Marlborough, Whangārei, Thames, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Ōtorohanga, Central Hawke's Bay, Napier, Stratford and Western Bay of Plenty all voted to remove them.

However, Hamilton, Gisborne, Rotorua Lakes, Kāpiti Coast, Kawerau and Whakatāne have voted to keep their wards.

Officials in Wellington told local media the vote to retain the ward was "resounding".

The vote is currently too close to call in Horowhenua.

Māori wards were established in 2021 to boost representation in local government.

However, National changed the law last year requiring councils to vote on whether or not to keep them in this election.