Choose between the Māori roll or general roll

If you’re of Māori descent, you can choose to be on the Māori roll or the general electoral roll.

Māori Electoral Option

The Māori Electoral Option is a choice for Māori about which electoral roll to be on — the Māori roll or the general roll.

If you’re not of Māori descent, you’ll be on the general roll.

Choosing your roll

The roll you choose is a personal decision. Your choice determines which electorate you vote in and who you can vote for to represent you in Parliament. It also helps determine the number of Māori and general electorates.

If you choose the Māori roll, you’ll vote for a candidate in the Māori electorate you live in.

If you choose the general roll, you’ll vote for a candidate in the general electorate you live in.

You will vote for the same list of political parties in a general election, whichever roll you choose to be on.

Local elections

Local councils run their own local elections.

If you’re on the Māori electoral roll for local elections, your voting papers will list the:

  • mayoral candidates — these are the same on both rolls
  • candidates standing in Māori wards or Māori constituencies, where these are available.

Māori wards and constituencies in local government are the equivalent of Māori electorates, or seats, in central government. Wards are city or district voting areas. Constituencies are regional voting areas.

If your local council does not have Māori wards or constituencies, the candidates will be the same on both rolls (Māori or general).

Before you can vote

If you’re eligible, you must be on an electoral roll (enrolled) to vote in a New Zealand general election, by-election, referendum or local election.

When you can choose a roll

If you’re of Māori descent you can choose which roll to be on when you first enrol to vote.

After you’ve first enrolled, you can change rolls at any time except in the three months before an election.

You can only be on 1 electoral roll. If you want to change the roll you’re on, you can make the change online, or by filling in an enrolment form.

The unpublished roll

You can apply to go on the confidential unpublished roll if you’re worried for you or your family’s safety. Your details stay secure and are not on the printed electoral roll.

It will not affect which electorate you’re in, or whether you’re on the general roll or the Māori roll.

Can you go on the unpublished roll? — Electoral Commission

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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