This term, the Year 13 cohort had a special assembly with the Electoral Commission. The purpose of this assembly was for the students to understand the importance of voting, how to enrol, the difference between the general and the Māori roll, and important dates for the upcoming 2026 general election. Information was also provided about employment opportunities during the election period. 

Deborah, from the Electoral Commission, explained that there have been some important changes to the electoral boundaries and names of electorates within West Auckland. Waitākere College now sits within the boundaries of the Henderson electorate rather than the previous Te Atatū electorate. Some other changes are:

• New Lynn and parts of Kelston become Waitākere

• Parts of Te Atatū, Upper Harbour and Kaipara ki Mahurangi become Henderson

• Parts of Kelston and Te Atatū become Glendene

There have been no changes to the Māori electorate boundaries in Auckland. The boundary of the Te Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau electorates crosses through West Auckland. 

Deborah also highlighted some important dates for our ākonga and whānau who will be eligible to vote in this year's election. 

• The 2026 general election will be held on NOVEMBER 7th. 
• To vote in the general election, you need to be enrolled by midnight, Sunday, 25th October. You won't be able to enrol once voting starts in New Zealand.
• If you want to change between the general and Māori rolls, changes can only be made up to August 6th. 

Deborah expressed how important it is to check that you are enrolled to vote before the October cut off. You can check to see if you are enrolled by following this link https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online

If you would like further information regarding enrolling to vote, paper enrolment forms or information about job opportunities during the election period, please contact Lucy Gardyne.