All voters in the 2025 local elections for Gisborne District Council will take part in a binding referendum - the poll is a vote to keep or remove the Tairāwhiti Māori Ward.
The poll will be held on Saturday 11 October 2025 under the First Past the Post electoral system by postal vote. The outcome of the poll will be binding and apply for the 2028 and 2031 triennial elections.
Why a referendum?
Alongside the council elections, you get to vote in a referendum to decide the future of our Māori ward. You'll be voting on whether to keep or remove the Tairāwhiti Māori Ward for Gisborne District Council.
It doesn't matter if you're on the Māori or General roll - everyone enrolled can vote in this referendum. If you're enrolled, you can vote.
Councils must follow the result of the referendum.
The referendum is a government requirement and your decision will help shape the 2028 and 2031 elections.
Regardless of the outcome, Tairāwhiti Māori Ward remains in place for the 2025 - 2028 term.
In 2024 parliament amended the Local Electoral Act 2001. As a result, councils that established Māori wards, are required to conduct a referendum - also known as a poll.