Eligible Central Otago Maori voters should now have received an information pack about the Maori Electoral Option. 

The option is the choice for Maori to enrol on the Maori electoral roll or the general electoral roll.

Maori voters in the Central Otago District could cast their vote for one of three constituency electorates depending on which part of Central Otago they are located in: Waitaki or Clutha Southland on the general roll, or Te Tai Tonga if registered on the Maori electoral roll. 

Whichever roll a voter is on, they will choose from the same list of political parties when it comes to their party vote.  

Information packs were sent to voters who identified themselves as being of Māori descent when they enrolled to vote.

Chief electoral officer Karl Le Quesne said the pack includes a letter confirming which electoral roll the voters are currently on and information on how to change rolls if they would like to.

‘If you’re Maori and enrolled to vote, and you’re happy with the roll you’re on, you don’t need to do anything.

“If you’d like to change the roll you’re on, sign and date the letter in the pack and send it back, or go online to make the change.

“If you haven’t received a pack, it means we have an old address for you, or you’re not enrolled,” Karl said. 

“You can enrol, update your address, or change rolls if you would like to at vote.nz, or by filling in a new enrolment form.”

Maori who want to switch rolls before the October 14 general election need to make the change before midnight on July 13. 

Since March 31, 4,684 voters of Māori descent have changed rolls, enrolled for the first time, or updated their details.

Visit NZ  for more information or call 0800 36 76 56 to ask for an enrolment form to be sent to you.