Tairāwhiti residents and ratepayers are urged to make their vote count as voting in the 2025 Local Elections opens today.

Voting papers will start appearing in letter boxes from Tuesday 9 September, people should cast their selections and post or drop their votes into a local ballot box before voting closes at 12 noon, Saturday 11 October.

“Every vote matters,” says Engagement and Māori Partnerships Director, Anita Reedy Holhausen.

“In the last election, only 44% of people in our region voted. That means more than half of eligible voters didn’t have a say in who represents Tairāwhiti on key issues like roads, water, housing, parks, rates, and climate resilience.

“This year, we want that to change. Tō pōti, tō mana. Your vote, your power. It’s your voice in the decisions that shape our region—now and for the future.”

When people vote, you’ll help decide:

• 1 Mayor (all voters elect the Mayor)
• 8 Councillors for the General Ward (if you’re on the General Roll)
• 5 Councillors for the Māori Ward (if you’re on the Māori Roll)
• And a binding referendum on whether to keep or remove the Tairāwhiti Māori Ward.

Referendum on the Tairāwhiti Māori Ward

Ms Reedy-Holthausen says a key difference with this year’s voting papers is that everyone gets to vote in the referendum—no matter which roll you’re on.

“Importantly our community will decide whether to keep or remove our Māori Ward, which was established by Council following representation review and consultation in 2021.”

The result will decide representation for the 2028 and 2031 elections. The Māori Ward remains in place for the 2025–2028 term.

Get to know your candidates

Profiles and lists of confirmed candidates are available on the Council website at gdc.govt.nz/elections. You’ll also find dates for community-led “Meet the Candidate” events so you can hear directly from those putting their hand up to lead.

How to vote

• Voting packs will start arriving in mailboxes from 9 September.
• Mark your voting papers and return them:
  • By post (before Tuesday 7 October to allow time), or
  • Drop them into an orange ballot box at Council offices or other locations across the district by 12 noon on Saturday 11 October.

If you haven’t received your voting papers by Monday 22 September, or anyone who has enrolling after 1 August, will need to cast a Special Vote.

“If you’re not on the roll, lost your papers, or recently moved – don’t worry. You can still vote. Just contact us or pop into Council and we’ll get you sorted with a special voting pack,” says Ms Reedy Holthausen.

Special voting locations will be available across the rohe, including Ruatoria, Te Araroa, Kaiti, Matawai, Elgin, Tolaga Bay and more—plus drive-through and weekend options. Check the full list at gdc.govt.nz/elections and make sure to enrol or update your details at vote.nz.

“Every vote makes a difference. Don’t let someone else choose your future for you.”

Need help?

Contact Gisborne District Council on 0800 653 800, visit Council Customer Services at 15 Fitzherbert Street or Te Puia Springs, or email service@gdc.govt.nz .

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