Notice of the Right to Demand a Poll on Not Establishing a Māori Ward

If Invercargill City Council is required to hold an election in 2028, notice is given under section 19ZA of the Local Electoral Act 2001 that Invercargill City Council will continue to not have a Māori Ward for the 2028 triennial election.

Invercargill City Council electors have the right to demand a poll on the creation of a Māori Ward to be used at the next two triennial general elections (2028 and 2031) for Invercargill City Council.

The choice is for Invercargill City Council to establish or not a Māori Ward for all voters enrolled on the Māori roll. Invercargill City Council has chosen not to create a Māori Ward.

A valid demand for a poll must be:

• Made in writing.
• Signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of Invercargill City Council. This will require a minimum of 1,942 elector signatures.
• Every elector who signs a demand must also set out their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of Invercargill City Council.
• Delivered to the Invercargill City Council office, Te Hīnaki - Civic Building, 101 Esk Street, Invercargill by 5.00pm, Friday 11 December 2026.

Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 11 December 2026, the poll will be held no later than 28 March 2027, and will have effect for the 2028 and 2031 elections. If the valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2026, then the poll will be held after 28 March 2027, and will have effect for the 2031 and 2034 elections.

Dated: 10 September 2026

Michael Day
Chief Executive
Invercargill City Council