Being informed and having a say in how New Zealand is governed is an important constitutional right for all Māori, says Te Puni Kōkiri CEO Michelle Hippolite.

Once every five years or so, New Zealanders of Māori descent have the opportunity to choose whether they want to be on the Māori Electoral Roll or the General Electoral Roll when they vote in the next two General Elections. The next Māori Electoral Option will take place from 25 March to 24 July 2013.

“Understanding the mechanisms that lead to government decisions is fundamental to being a participating member of society,” says Michelle Hippolite.

“Being on the electoral role is an essential step to having your say and your views represented.”

For young voters who are voting for the first time, or those wanting to change which electoral roll they are currently enrolled in, the Māori Electoral Option is their chance to make that decision. It’s an important choice, as it determines who will represent you in Parliament. The results of the Māori Electoral Option together with the results of the 2013 Census of Population and Dwellings are used to determine the number of Māori and General Electorates in Parliament and to revise electorate boundaries.

“New Zealanders generally are not big on voting; whether it’s for selecting their preferred members for local council, or for NZ’s general elections. But it’s so important and that’s why our regional offices are getting in behind the Māori Electoral Option campaign to answer questions and ensure people know what it’s all about,” says Michelle.

Enrolling is easy

• going online at www.elections.org.nz;
• freetexting your name and address to 3676 for an enrolment pack;
• calling 0800 36 76 56; or
• going to any PostShop and filling in an enrolment form.

More information about the Māori Electoral Option is available via Te Puni Kōkiri regional office staff and at: www.elections.org.nz .