Answers to common questions about voting, candidates, and the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
IMPORTANT LINKS
The Election
What positions are being elected in 2026?
This is the First Election under the Restated Trust Deed. Seats are being filled for each of the four marae (Waimanoni, Wharemaru, Mahimaru, and Te Pā a Parore) and for three General Trustee positions, open to all Adult Registered Members regardless of marae.
Will there be a vote for every seat?
Not necessarily. Under Schedule 3 of the Trust Deed, if only one valid nomination is received for a position, that candidate is deemed elected and no vote is held for that seat. Where a seat receives more than one valid nomination, a vote is held using First Past the Post.
Each of the four marae seats (Waimanoni, Wharemaru, Mahimaru, and Te Pā a Parore) received one valid nomination, so those seats are uncontested and no vote is required for them. The three General Trustee seats received multiple nominations, so a vote will be held for those seats, open to all Adult Registered Members.
Who is eligible to vote?
Voting is open to all Adult Registered Members who are on the NgāiTakoto Members Register as at the closing date for voting.
If you have applied for registration but have not yet been accepted, your vote may still be accepted provisionally – it will count once your registration is confirmed.
Voting
How do I cast my vote?
There are three ways to vote:
- Electronic (Vero) – the primary method. Voting forms are sent to the email or digital address held on your member record.
- Postal – available if you opt in to receive a paper voting form at your physical address.
- In person – you can cast your vote at the AGM on the day.
Each Adult Registered Member gets one vote for the General Trustee seats, and one vote for their Primary Marae seat where that seat is contested.
Do I have to attend the AGM to vote?
No. Most members vote electronically or by post before the AGM. In-person voting on the day is simply another option, mainly for members who haven’t already voted or who prefer to vote at the meeting.
What if I want a paper voting form instead of voting online?
You can opt in for postal voting. Once opted in, a paper voting form will be posted to the physical/postal address held on your member record ahead of the voting period.
What happens if I don’t vote?
You’re not required to vote, but we’d encourage every eligible member to take part – it’s your say in who represents you and your marae. If you don’t vote electronically or by post, you can still vote in person at the AGM.
How do I make sure I actually receive my voting papers?
Make sure your details on the NgāiTakoto Members Register are current:
- A current email address, to receive your electronic voting form via Vero.
- A current physical address, if you want to opt in for postal voting.
You can update your details via our Contact details form, or by emailing admin@ngaitakotoiwi.co.nz.
Can I change my vote once I’ve cast it?
No. Once a vote is validly cast, it’s final and cannot be changed.
Candidates
Where can I see who is standing?
Candidate profiles, including a photo and a short statement of skills and experience, will be published to members ahead of voting on our website and through Vero.
What is the candidate video about?
Candidates have the option, but are not required, to submit a short self-recorded video responding to a governance-themed question set by the Chief Returning Officer. This gives members another way to get to know candidates alongside their written profile. Full details on format and the question itself will be provided directly to candidates and published alongside profiles.
Is there an opportunity to meet candidates in person?
For the General Trustee race, candidate engagement is through written profiles and optional video only. This approach was chosen to keep the process fair and consistent for every candidate, regardless of where they live or how much time they have available.
The AGM
When is the AGM?
The exact date depends on completion of the annual audit under clause 9.3 of the Trust Deed, audit sign-off must be completed before formal notice of the AGM can issue. We know this matters to your planning, and we’ll confirm the date as early as we can.
Why can’t the date be confirmed sooner?
The Trust Deed requires the annual audit to be signed off before the AGM notice can be issued. This is a compliance requirement, not a scheduling choice – we’re working to complete it as quickly as possible so we can lock in a date and give members proper notice.
What will happen at the AGM?
The AGM will present the Annual Report and financial statements, confirm election results, and cover other formal business of the Trust. Full details, including the agenda, will be provided in the formal notice.
Where can I find the Annual Report?
The Annual Report will be made available digitally on our website and through Vero ahead of the AGM, in line with the notice period required under the Trust Deed.