19061 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Justice

19061 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Justice: What work has the Electoral Commission got planned towards lifting Maori electoral participation in the 2026 General Election, if any?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I am advised that the Commission provides information and education in communities through a range of channels including advertising on TV, radio, news websites, outdoor displays and social media digital communication and community engagement. This year the Commission is implementing an enrolment strategy which includes a specific focus on communicating effectively with Māori with regards to changes to enrolment, why voting is important and information regarding key dates and the Māori Electoral Option. The strategy includes popup enrolment hubs in locations across the motu, static enrolment hubs in high traffic locations such as malls, an education fund that supports community groups to develop their own engagement activity, a public information campaign, and a youth action plan focused on rangatahi engagement. The Commission also works closely with stakeholders and public sector partners including kaupapa Māori providers, hapū and iwi, kura kaupapa, the national iwi chairs forum, Māori Women’s Welfare League and Te Puni Kōkiri. The Commission also provides information in six different te reo Māori mita (dialects that align to the Māori electorates). All regional plans have service level expectations to increase the number of whare pōti Māori - kaupapa Māori and places of significance to Māori - as voting places. Training of all voting place staff (kaimahi) will include the Māori roll, Māori electorates and either a te reo pronunciation e-learning module or a video that explains the importance of te reo Māori, kaimahi Māori roles and places as part of our voter offering.