DECISION MAKING THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE
Improving how decisions are made is a powerful way to protect human rights.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
More Voices is about how more people can have a say in the decisions that shape our everyday lives.
The More Voices campaign is about strengthening decision making in central and local government to support greater participation and deliberation by more diverse people across our communities.
The campaign is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which provides the just foundation for sharing decision making and building relationships in our society.
It’s about people being able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that shape their lives, not just once every three years, but every day, in workplaces, schools, community halls, and all types of public life.
That’s why we're standing up for the human right to participate.
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TAKE ACTION
GET OUT THE VOTE!
Voting in the 2026 General Election is an important way for you and your community to have your say.
The 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday 7 November, 2026.
This election, we're asking people to do two things.
Enrol and vote. Voting is your right, and it's one of the most important ways your voice can be counted. Visit vote.nz before Sun 25 October 2026 to make sure you are registered and your enrolment details are up to date.
Talk about it. Pull up a chair with your neighbours, your whānau, your work mates and people in your community. Ask each other what matters, what you're hoping changes, and what a government that listens looks like to you.
WHY VOTING MATTERS
WHY VOTING MATTERS
Having your say and having your voice heard is your right. It’s also part of how you can contribute to a fair and just society and have your views heard. Choosing who to vote for can also be a good way to learn about issues affecting your community and to hold political leaders to account for their decisions.
In Aotearoa, numbers of young people turning up to vote have been declining. Barriers to voting include: a lack of civics education in our schools and communities meaning many people don't know how decisions get made or how to influence them; cost-of-living pressures meaning many people have little time or energy for civic life; deeper questions about tino rangatiratanga and how our political system can reflect a genuine partnership between the Crown and hapū Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says everyone has the right to take part in government, directly or through freely chosen representatives, and that the will of the people must be expressed through genuine, equal elections.
Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights goes even further. It protects not only the right to vote, but the right to take part in public affairs on an ongoing basis, before and after election day.
Women in Aotearoa fought hard for the right to vote because they knew it was a powerful way to have their views heard.
So… talk with your family and friends, enrol, vote, and participate because more voices = better political decision making for everyone!
TO VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION, YOU NEED TO BE ENROLLED.
TO VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION, YOU NEED TO BE ENROLLED.
For the 2026 general election, you need to be enrolled by midnight, Sunday 25 October. You won't be able to enrol once voting starts in New Zealand.
Enrolling isn’t something you do once. You need to keep your enrolment up to date so you’re ready to vote.
Are you eligible to enrol and vote?
Enrol or update now
HELPFUL LINKS
HELPFUL LINKS
People all over the motu are working hard to boost enrolment numbers and get out the vote! Here are some links to organisations and groups who are promoting the right to vote in their communities.
- Vote.nz. Enrol, check or update your details online before Sunday 25 October.
- Check out Electoral Commission and community events in your neighbourhood and learn how you can help to ‘get out the vote!’
- On a roll. This rangatahi-led group is boosting rangatahi enrolments and voting. Check out their socials for events across Aotearoa.
- The Kids' Election | 25 Sep - 27 Sep 2026 | Auckland Live. Tamariki have a right to participate and have their views heard too! This event in the school holidays gives kids the opportunity to learn about voting in a fun and joyful way with dress ups and protest signs a plenty!
- Learn about Matike Mai Aotearoa | Matike Mai Aotearoa, a values-based movement for constitutional transformation that sees Te Tiriti o Waitangi as foundational to our future political systems in Aotearoa.
*Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-partisan organisation meaning we won’t promote who to vote for, we just want you to exercise your right to vote!
ENGAGE WITH DECISION MAKERS
It’s important decision makers hear from you! Face-to-face meetings are one of the most effective ways you can put human rights and issues you care about on the agenda.
We have two downloadable resources to help you engage with decision makers and influence change.
For tips on how to engage with decision makers,
For tips on effective lobbying, .
RESOURCES, EVENTS AND UPDATES
RESOURCES, EVENTS AND UPDATES
More Voices launch in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland
Pull up a seat at our first long table conversation. Join us for a free coffee and an open discussion about what needs to change so everyone can have a real say in the decisions that affect them. No booking required.
📍 Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland
🗓️ 25th September 2026
⏰ 11:30am-1:30pm
💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation
More Voices launch in Pōneke | Wellington
Pull up a seat at our first long table conversation in the capital! Join us for a free coffee and an open discussion about what needs to change so everyone can have a real say in the decisions that affect them. No booking required.
📍 Midland Park, Lambton Quay, Wellington
🗓️ 29th September 2026
⏰ 11:30am-1:30pm
💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation
For more information, reach out to us at
FAQS
What is the campaign all about?
What change do you want to see?
What is the connection with human rights?
Why this campaign? What’s the problem?
Isn’t Amnesty International a non-partisan organisation? Why the focus on voting?
Our current political system doesn’t work for everyone. What’s the point in taking part?
Contact us
Authorised by Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, info@amnesty.org.nz