Panui / Korero

Thousands backed Māori representation in Whangārei and Northland. Here’s what the vote tells us—and how we turn disappointment into movement for 2026.

The countdown is on and voting closes tomorrow at midday! Every vote counts, so make it happen. Vote YES Māori Wards and make sure our voices are represented.

We’re down to the final hours, whānau. If you’ve already stood in your mana motuhake and made your voice heard—ka pai. If not, there’s still time. Every vote carries power and could be the one that makes the difference. Check the official info for closing times and how to cast or return your vote. If it’s a postal ballot, hand-deliver your pack before the cutoff; if it’s in-person, find your nearest location and take a mate. Plan ten minutes, go together, and keep the kōrero

E te whānau, kei te pau te wā—only 2 days left to vote! If you’ve already had your say, ka mau te wehi. If not, there’s still time. Your vote helps shape the future for our tamariki and our communities. This is the last chance until 2028, so let’s get it done together. Return your voting papers today, or take your ID to a special voting centre to cast a special vote. Check your council’s website for hours and locations, bring a friend, and share this reminder. Kia kaha—let’s

Time’s almost up, whānau. If you haven’t received your voting papers, you can still have your say. Take your ID into Ngāti Hine Health Trust and cast a special vote today. Quick tips: bring photo ID (driver licence, passport, or Kiwi Access/18+ card) and your enrolment details if you have them. Check their opening hours before you go, head in with a mate, and allow a few minutes to complete the special vote declaration. Don’t sit this out—every vote counts. Karawhiua! Share t

Our Bring the Ballot Box events are proving a hit—mean mahi, whānau! When the ballot box comes to you, voting is simple, local, and ours. Make it a purposeful whānau thing: swing by together, cast your votes, and keep the kōrero flowing. Got your papers? Bring them and drop them in. Missing papers? Take your ID to a special voting centre to do a special vote, then join us at the next event. Offer a ride, remind a mate, and help someone check their enrolment. Check our socials

Stop horsing around and get out and vote. Our team in Oakura snapped a young tāne arriving to vote on his horse—how good! If he can make it, we all can. Every vote counts and every voice matters. If you’ve still got papers, return them today. Need a hand or missing papers? Take your ID to a special voting centre and cast a special vote. Karawhiua—let’s finish strong!

⏰ Just 3 days left to have your say, Whangārei. Don’t sit it out thinking your vote won’t change anything—yours could be the one that keeps strong Māori representation at our council table. Every vote counts, every voice matters. Return your papers today, or take your ID to a special voting centre and cast a special vote. Tag a mate, offer a ride, share this reminder—kia kaha whānau, let’s finish strong. 🗳️🧡

Āe, voter numbers are creeping up—mean mahi, whānau! Every vote counts, every voice matters. We can lift them even higher if we keep the momentum going. Encourage your people: remind a mate, return those papers today, and check final-hour details with your council. No papers? Take your ID to a special voting centre (e.g., Ngāti Hine Health Trust) and cast a special vote—it only takes a few minutes. Kia kaha—let’s finish strong. Share this reminder, post a quick story, offer a

We’re sitting at 21% voter turnout for the Māori Ward—that’s just 1 in 5 who’ve voted so far. If you’re one of them, kei runga noa atu koe! 🙌🏽 Every single vote keeps our voice strong. Now reach out to four more whānau and get them to vote too. Tag them. Message them. Drive them to the ballot box if you have to 🚗💨 Return papers today or head to a special voting centre with your ID if you’re missing them. Kia kaha—let’s lift those numbers and finish strong. Leshgoo 📢

The Māori wards in Whangārei have already shown what true representation can do. Funding connected through these seats enables projects and collaborations with local hapū, helping resources reach whānau on the ground—where they make the most difference. Māori wards also strengthen the relationship between iwi, hapū, and council. With tangata whenua voices at the table, decisions are guided by relationships as well as policy—grounded in mātauranga Māori, local priorities, and

Māori wards have been fought for, earned, and secured through years of struggle and persistence. They weren’t gifted; our people worked for them—so voices that were long kept at the margins could be heard where decisions are made. Māori wards don’t take away from anyone. They ensure Māori representation at the council table so decisions are guided by relationships and local realities, not just politics. That strengthens outcomes for everyone—whānau, hapū, iwi, and the wider c