Horowhenua residents have had their say on Māori representation with the results of the Horowhenua Māori Ward referendum confirmed alongside the 2025 local election results.
Voters have chosen to remove the Horowhenua Māori Ward, signalling a change in how the community wishes to be represented at the Council table.
From 11,682 votes cast the final margin was just 188 votes.
“The result provides clear direction from the community, and we respect the outcome. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and take part in this important conversation,” says Monique Davidson, Council’s Chief Executive.
The Horowhenua Māori Ward will remain in place for the 2025-2027 term, with the change taking effect from the 2028 Local Election.
The Horowhenua Māori Ward was established after community engagement in 2021. At a Council meeting in September 2024, Horowhenua District Council voted to retain the Horowhenua Māori Ward.
Due to a law change last year, councils with Māori wards not established by a poll of voters were required to either dissolve them or hold a binding poll about their future. Council having voted not to dissolve the Horowhenua Māori Ward, a referendum was held alongside the 2025 Local Election.
“This process was about giving everyone in Horowhenua the opportunity to decide how they want to be represented. It’s important that our community has confidence in how decisions are made and who represents them at the Council table,” Mrs Davidson adds.
For more information on the Horowhenua Māori Ward referendum and the 2025 local election results, visit horowhenua.govt.nz/Elections2025
Nina Hori Te Pa and Lani Ketu have been elected as Horowhenua Maori Ward Councillors.
Neighbours to the north – Whanganui City Council and Palmerston North City Council saw voters retain their Maori Wards, as did Horizons Regional Council, although that final vote is very close. To the south, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Porirua City Council, Hutt City Council, Wellington City Council, and Greater Wellington Regional Council all voted to retain the Maori Wards.
Māori Ward Poll – Horowhenua District Council Votes Received
I VOTE TO REMOVE THE MĀORI WARD 5,935
I VOTE TO KEEP THE MĀORI WARD 5,747
INFORMAL 2
BLANK VOTING PAPERS 529