Voters in several districts vote to remove Māori wards

Saturday 11 October 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Sat 11 Oct 2025, 6:25pm

Referendums in multiple districts have resulted in votes to disestablish Māori wards. In Hawke's Bay, voters in Napier, Hastings, Central Hawke's Bay and the regional council voted to remove them, while Marlborough also voted to remove its Māori ward seat in 2028.

How they headlined it

4:03pm6:11pm

1. Waikato TimesSat 11 Oct 2025, 4:03pm

   Māori wards fall as voters say no (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldSat 11 Oct 2025, 6:11pm

   Hawke’s Bay voters decide to remove Māori wards on four councils from 2028 in referendums (opens in new tab)

3. The PressSat 11 Oct 2025, 6:25pm

   Marlborough votes to disestablish Māori ward (opens in new tab)