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Conserve Water - Raetihi

Due to low river flows in the Makotuku River, it is requested that water is conserved wherever possible in the Raetihi township. Updates will be posted when levels are back to the required standard. We appreciate your cooperation during this time.

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Decide the Future of Our Local Māori Representation

Māori representation: keep it or change it?

Māori Wards were introduced for the 2022 local elections. Now, under new legislation, you get to decide how Māori representation will work for our community by voting in the referendum being held alongside the 2025 council elections.
You’ll vote on whether to keep or remove the Māori ward and constituencies in our district and region.

  • The Ruapehu Māori Ward for Ruapehu District Council
  • The Tonga Māori and Raki Māori constituencies for Horizons Regional Council

What is a Māori Ward?

Like the Māori Parliamentary seats, Māori wards in territorial authorities and Māori constituencies in regional councils establish areas where only those on the Māori Parliamentary electoral roll vote for the candidates in that ward. These Māori wards and constituencies sit alongside the general wards and constituencies of each city, district, or region.

Māori wards and constituencies aim to ensure Māori are represented in local government decision-making, similar to the dedicated electorate seats in Parliament. They enable Councils to better honour the principle of partnership committed to in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and provide greater opportunities for Māori to contribute to the decision-making processes of the local authority.

If You’re Enrolled, You Can Vote

It doesn’t matter if you’re on the Māori or General roll – everyone enrolled can vote in this referendum.

Make sure you’re enrolled, and your details are up to date, so we know where to send your voting papers.

You can do this from your phone.

Head to vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.

Councils Must Follow the Referendum Result

The outcome of the referendum will affect the Ruapehu District Council elections in 2028 and 2031. We will continue to have three seats in the Ruapehu Māori Ward during the 2025-2027 council term.

Everyone Gets the Same Number of Votes

Māori Wards work like Māori electorates in Parliament. Māori roll voters choose Māori ward councillors, and general roll voters choose General ward councillors. Everyone votes for the District's Mayor.

Every Councillor Represents Us All

Every Councillor takes an oath to represent our whole community. Our councillors are dedicated to working for all residents and ratepayers.

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