In this article:

1. I’ve received an enrolment pack for someone else. What should I do with it?
2. If I am on the electoral roll, who can access my information?
3. What information is public?
4. I don’t feel safe with my name and address being public, what can I do?

I’ve received an enrolment pack for someone else. What should I do with it?

If you receive an incorrectly addressed enrolment pack, please cross out the address, write “Return to Sender” on the envelope, and put it in any New Zealand Post post box.

If I am on the electoral roll, who can access my information? 

We're careful with your personal information. We use the information you give us to keep the electoral rolls up to date for general elections, referendums and local elections. We also give your personal information to other people and organisations when the law requires it. We only use your information for these purposes.

We follow the rules in the Electoral Act 1993 and the Privacy Act 1993. We do not release your date of birth, phone numbers or email address to the public.

What information is public?

The electoral roll will list your:

• full name
• home address
• occupation (if you provide it – it’s optional).

Anyone can look at or buy electoral rolls. You can view them at public libraries and the offices of Registrars of Electors.

I don’t feel safe with my name and address being public, what can I do?

If you’re concerned about your personal safety, or that of your family, you can apply to go on the confidential unpublished roll. We’ll keep your enrolment details secure and we won’t give them to anyone.

To apply to go on the unpublished roll, choose one of the following options:

• download the form to go on the unpublished roll
• call 0800 36 76 56 and we’ll post the form to you in the mail.

If you're not already enrolled, you also need to complete an enrolment form.

You need to provide information that shows why you need to register on the unpublished roll. Here are some examples of the type of information to include (you don’t need all of these types of information to apply).

• A letter explaining why your work or personal circumstances place you at risk. This letter could be from your employer, lawyer, social worker, advocate, or someone of standing in the community.
• A copy of a protection order that is in force under the Domestic Violence Act 1995.
• A copy of a restraining order that is in force under the Harassment Act 1997.
• Information from a police officer or corrections officer explaining why publishing your name and address could prejudice you or your family's safety.

Once you’re on the unpublished roll, you need to let us know at unpublished.roll@elections.govt.nz  if any of your enrolment details change, such as your name or address. You can also ask to go back on the publicly available roll if your personal circumstances change.