Published: 14 September 2026
If the Waikato Regional Council (the Council) is required to hold an election in 2028, notice is given under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001, that the Council resolved (WRC23/82) on 31 August 2023 to retain the first past the post (FPP) electoral system for its elections.
Electors have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system
Under sections 29 and 30 of the Local Electoral Act 2001, electors of the Waikato Regional Council may demand that a poll be held on a proposal that a specified electoral system be used for the Council’s elections.
A valid demand for a poll must be:
- made in writing;
- signed by at least 5% being a minimum of 16,823 electors of the number of electors who were enrolled as eligible to vote at the previous general election of the Waikato Regional Council;
- state, against each elector’s signature, the elector’s name and address for which they are qualified as an elector of the Waikato Regional Council.
For the outcome of the poll to apply to the 2028 triennial general election, a valid demand must be received at the principal office of the Waikato Regional Council no later than Friday, 11 December 2026. Hand-delivered demands must be received before the principal office closes at 5.00 pm that day.
Delivery of demands
Valid demands may be delivered by hand to the Waikato Regional Council principal office at 160 Ward Street, Hamilton or posted to Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240.
Future legislative framework
Subject to any future legislative changes affecting the conduct of regional council elections, Waikato Regional Council will continue to use the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system unless that electoral system is changed in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001.