If you’re a state sector organisation, you can apply to us for an electronic list of people who are enrolled to vote that you can use to conduct human health or scientific research.
Who can apply for data
Your department, organisation or local authority can apply for data if the Official Information Act 1982 or the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 apply to you.
You must need the list for research on a topic about human health or a scientific matter.
Data you can apply for
You can apply for the list for the entire country or specific areas of New Zealand (by parliamentary electorate or local authority area).
You can also apply for lists of everyone on the main rolls or only people of Māori descent.The lists we provide include each person’s:
- name
- postal address
- residential address
- occupation (if available)
- honorific (if any)
- meshblock (geographic area)
- age, in 12-month bands for human health research and in 5-year bands for scientific research.
Cost of getting data
If we approve your application, it will cost you $497.80 including GST and postage. The Electoral Regulations 1996 specify this fee. We’ll invoice you once we’ve created the list.
What to include in your application
Your application must include:
- a completed application form
- a cover letter
- any other supporting information
Application form
Read the guidance notes on the application form, and then complete all the sections on pages two and three.
Sign the form, and have your chief executive sign it as well.
You can download the application form at the bottom of this page.
Cover letter
Your cover letter must specify what research you’ll use the list for, and how that research relates to a human health or a scientific topic.
Put the letter on your organisation’s letterhead and have your chief executive sign it.
Other supporting information
You may include other information that supports your application, such as:
- a copy of your research proposal
- a copy of the letter of approval for your research
- a copy of your proposed survey
- information you’ll send to potential participants.
Sending us your application
You can send us your application by post, email or fax:
Electoral Commission
PO Box 3220
Wellington 6140
data@elections.govt.nz
Fax 04 495 0031
Assessing your application
We’ll aim to assess your application within 10 working days of getting it. However, it may take longer during busy election periods.
If we approve your application
You must only use the list for the research you described in your application.
You must also keep the list safe against loss or unauthorised use, and dispose of it once you no longer need it for your research.
We’ll publish a summary of your application, including:
- the name of your organisation
- the nature of your research
- the date you applied.
See summaries of research applications we’ve approved
Contact us if you have any questions
Contact our data co-ordinator if you have any questions about your application.
Email data@elections.govt.nz
Phone 04 495 0030