Hamilton Kirikiriroa, it’s time to have your say – voting is now open for the city’s next mayor and council, and whether to keep or remove the Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward.

From today, voting packs will begin arriving in letterboxes across the city. Each pack includes a voting paper, return envelope, and information about the candidates standing.

Voters are encouraged to rank their preferred candidates and return their voting papers by post or ballot box before midday on Saturday 11 October.

Alongside the local election, Hamiltonians will vote in a binding poll to decide the future of the Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward. The poll question is: “I vote to KEEP Maaori wards” or “I vote to REMOVE Maaori wards”.

When to vote

Voting opens today (Tuesday 9 September) and closes at midday on Saturday 11 October.

Where to vote

You can vote at:

• all Hamilton public libraries (except Hillcrest Library, which is currently closed following a fire)
• Council reception in Garden Place
• other selected locations including community houses (see map of all locations at hamilton.govt.nz/vote).

If you don’t have your voting paper

If your voting pack hasn’t arrived by 22 September, or you missed the enrolment deadline, you can still enrol and cast a special vote. Special voting is available at all Hamilton public libraries, Council’s reception in Garden Place, and Council-run election events.

Voting Van

To make voting even easier this year, a Voting Van will be travelling across the city throughout the voting period. The van offers enrolment support and special voting options for those who haven’t received a pack or need to update their details. It will visit workplaces, parks, and events, bringing voting to where people are.

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