Māori enrolment option deadlline

Māori who would like to switch electoral rolls before this year’s General Election on October 14 have until July 13 to do so.

A recent law change means that Māori can now change between the Māori and general rolls at any time except in the three months before an election.

Previously, Māori could only change rolls during the Māori Electoral Option period held every five or six years.

The Electoral Commission’s chief Māori advisor, Hone Matthews, says it’s an important choice for Māori.

“If you’re on the Māori roll, you’ll vote for a candidate in the Māori electorate you live in, and if you’re on the general roll, you’ll vote for a candidate in the general electorate you live in,” he says.

“Whichever roll you’re on, you’ll choose from the same list of parties for your party vote.

“If you’re happy with the roll you’re on, you don’t need to do anything. If you want to change the roll you’re on, you can make the change online at vote.nz, return the letter in the information pack, or fill in a new enrolment form.”

Forms can also be requested by phoning 0800 36 76 56.

There are currently seven Māori electorates and 65 general electorates.