Electoral wards

Region covered by Tasman District

The Tasman District covers 9,786 square kilometres and is bounded to the west by the Matiri Ranges, Tasman Mountains and the Tasman Sea.

To the north Tasman and Golden Bays form its seaward edge, and the eastern boundary reaches the Spencer Mountains and the St Arnaud and Richmond Ranges to the southern boundary of the Victoria Ranges.

Five wards, two community boards

Within this area, there are five wards and 17 settlements. The largest ward, Richmond, borders Nelson in the north of the region. Golden Bay and Motueka also have elected community boards.

Māori Ward for the 2025 Local Elections 

Following the introduction of the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024, any council (city, district or region) that established Māori wards or constituencies since 2020 without holding a poll, is required to hold a poll with their 2025 elections.

The poll, for all electors, is a vote to KEEP or REMOVE Māori wards or constituencies for the relevant council. The outcome of the poll is binding and will apply for at least the next two triennial elections (2028 and 2031).

Tasman District Council established a Māori ward – Te Tai o Aorere in 2023 (by resolution), and as such, is required to hold a poll with their 2025 elections. The Tasman District Council is required to be neutral on this poll.

For more information go to: About Māori wards and constituencies - Vote 25 | Pōti 25

This document covers some of the frequently asked questions relating to the Māori Ward and the upcoming poll (pdf 33 KB).

Representation review 2025

Read more about the review that was carried out on Shape Tasman. 

The only change of note was that Totara View, a rural residential development with 89 rural lifestyle properties and 300 residents, shares greater commonalities with the Wakefield community than it does with the more distant Lakes and Murchison communities.