Voting papers and information packs for the forthcoming, binding poll on the introduction of Maori Wards in the Whakatane District were posted to all registered electors this week.

Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske says about 24,500 registered voters are eligible to take part in the poll.

'This is an important decision for the Whakatane District, because it will determine how the community is represented for at least the next two elections,” he says.

'All registered voters are therefore encouraged to have their say by completing and returning their voting papers during the voting period.”

If a majority of the people voting in the poll vote against Maori wards, the proposal will lapse.

If a majority vote in favour of Maori wards, the Council will undertake a representation review, to define how the District wards system should work.

The proposed representation arrangements would then go through a community consultation process before a final decision is made.

Any objections to that decision would then be referred to the Local Government Commission for a ruling.

Papers can be returned by post, using the prepaid envelope provided, or placed in the envelope and dropped into the voting boxes provided at the Whakatane District Council Civic Centre in Whakatane, or the Murupara Service Centre.

Anyone returning their vote by post is advised to get it in the mail by Wednesday May 16, at the latest, to ensure that it is received by the Electoral Officer before the voting period ends.

Votes delivered to the Murupara Service Centre will need to be placed in the voting box before 4.30pm on Friday, May 18.

Votes can be lodged at the Civic Centre through until midday on Saturday May 19.

Preliminary results should be available later that day and the Electoral Officer will provide an official declaration of the outcome on May 21.