This is an omnibus Bill introduced under Standing Order 267(1)(a) as it deals with an interrelated topic that can be regarded as implementing a single broad policy.

The single broad policy of the Bill is to enable local electors to take part in their local elections and decisions about their local electoral arrangements. The policy proposals include—

• reinstating polls on Māori wards and Māori constituencies; and

• requiring councils to hold a binding poll at the 2025 local elections if they established Māori wards or Māori constituencies since 2020 and did not hold a poll; and

• adjusting the statutory time frames for local elections to give more time for the postal delivery of voting papers.

This Bill amends the following Acts:

• Local Electoral Act 2001:

• Local Government Electoral Legislation Act 2023.

This Bill also makes amendments to the Local Electoral Regulations 2001 as a result of changes to the time frames for local elections.

The Bill gives effect to the Coalition Government’s commitment to reinstating the right to a local referendum on the establishment or ongoing use of Māori wards and Māori constituencies. This includes requiring a poll, at the next local body elections, on any Māori wards and Māori constituencies established without a poll.