pātai / FAQS

The decisions made by local leaders shape the future of our communities. Whether it’s environmental initiatives, economic development, or social policies, your vote influences the direction of our future. By voting, we as Māori can ensure that the people who represent us in local government understand and prioritise the unique needs of our communities.

Representation

Your pōti is your voice! When you vote, you make sure that your interests and concerns are taken seriously by those in power. Whether it’s about your education, jobs, culture, language, housing, or climate change, your vote can push for the changes you want to see.

Empowerment

Voting is more than just ticking a box—it’s about taking control of your future. It’s your right and a powerful way to make sure your voice is heard. When you vote, you’re stepping up, taking charge, and showing that you care about what happens in your community.

Building a Better Future
The choices our elected officials make today will impact our futures for years to come. By voting, you help shape the policies that will create a fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive Tauranga Moana. It’s about making sure we create a better place for ourselves and the generations that follow.
It is crucial for Māori and rangatahi Māori to get involved. Our unique perspectives and needs matter, and voting ensures that they’re part of the kōrero. Kia tū, cast your vote, and let’s make a difference together!

Āe, there are many events and opportunities for you to meet candidates and get a feel for who they are.

Check out: https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/about-your-council/elections-2024 to find out more about candidate events and debates.

The last day to post your vote is Wednesday the 17th of July. The last day to enrol and be able to vote in the Tauranga City Council election is Friday, 19th July 2024.  You can also drop off your envelope at a Tauranga City library or at the Mount Hub. Your vote needs to be with the electoral officer by 12pm on Saturday the 20th of July 2024.

Āe, he maha ngā pouaka pōti. There are many voting bins for you to drop off or post your vote. https://www.yourvotecounts.nz/locations/

You are eligible vote if you meet the following criteria:
  • You are at least 18 years old.
  • You are a New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident, hold a valid resident visa, or possess a visa that doesn’t require you to leave New Zealand within a set period.
  • You have lived in New Zealand continuously for at least one year at any time.
  • You have resided at your Tauranga address for a minimum of one month.
  • A non-resident ratepayer who has applied for enrolment on the ratepayer roll.
  • A resident outside of Tauranga who has been nominated by a firm, company, corporation, or society that pays rates on a property in Tauranga.
Make sure you’re enrolled to vote by visiting vote.nz.

You can enrol to vote and find out more about the Tauranga City Council Election here: https://vote.nz/

Tauranga City Council is divided into 8 general wards and one Māori ward. Each ward serves as a specific voting district.
Voters on the general roll will elect a councillor for their respective general ward. Those on the Māori roll will elect a councillor for the city-wide Māori ward.
All voters, regardless of their ward, will also vote for the mayor.
Click here to find out more about the Māori ward
If you are Māori and registering to vote for the first time, you have the option to choose between the Māori roll and the general roll for the Tauranga City Council election. You can enrol to vote here: https://vote.nz/
Māori voters already registered in the Tauranga City Council area cannot switch rolls between Saturday, 20 April, and Saturday, 20 July 2024. To change rolls, the deadline was midnight on Friday, 19 April 2024.
A special vote is just like a regular vote, except you’ll need to sign a declaration form. Special votes may include votes from those who haven’t received their voting pack in the mail, have a damaged pack, or are overseas or traveling.

If your voting pack hasn’t shown up or is damaged, don’t worry—you can still vote. Just make sure you’re enrolled with the Electoral Commission, then head to one of our convenient locations to cast your special vote: https://www.yourvotecounts.nz/locations/

  • He Puna Manawa Service Centre, 21 Devonport Road: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm (Wednesday 9:00am to 5pm) and Saturday and Sunday: 9.30am – 4pm
  • The Mount Hub, 9 Prince Avenue: Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9.30am to 4pm.
  • The Pāpāmoa Community Centre: Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9.30am to 4pm.
  • Greerton Library: Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9.30am to 4pm.
It takes less than five minutes to fill out the declaration form explaining why you need a special vote. You can do it on-site or take it with you to complete later. Just bring your driver’s license, passport, or RealMe verified ID to get enrolled.
 
Request a Special Vote Pack
Can’t make it to one of our locations? No problem! We can send the voting pack to you. Email [email protected] or call 07 577 7000 to request a special vote pack to be sent to your temporary address. If you’re overseas, you’ll be responsible for the return postage. Just make sure your completed vote reaches us by 12 noon on Saturday, 20 July 2024.
For more details on special voting, check out: https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/about-your-council/elections-2024/information-for-voters
Kāo, current local electoral laws, set by the central government, don’t allow online or electronic voting, early voting outside the official period, or voting on behalf of someone else.
 
For more information about how to vote check out: https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/about-your-council/elections-2024/information-for-voters