A free Electoral Commission programme lets schools run a realistic mock election before the 2026 vote.
With New Zealand preparing for the 2026 General Election, schools have a unique opportunity to bring civics education to life through Kids Voting – Te Pōti a Ngā Tamariki, a free nationwide programme from the Electoral Commission.
Open to all schools and kura, the initiative gives students the chance to explore how our nation’s democracy works before taking part in a realistic mock election. Using real political parties, candidates and election issues, students experience the voting process in an engaging, age-appropriate way while developing a deeper understanding of civic participation.
Participating schools receive a free resource kit containing lesson plans, a teacher guide, posters and a ballot box, making it simple to deliver the programme regardless of prior experience. The learning materials align with Levels 1 to 5 of the New Zealand Social Sciences Curriculum and Level 5 of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, allowing teachers to integrate civics learning into existing classroom programmes.
The programme culminates in a mock election during early Term 4, giving students the opportunity to cast their vote and compare their school’s results with the outcome of the national election. Beyond learning how ballots are cast and counted, students are encouraged to discuss issues with classmates and whānau, helping foster informed conversations about democracy at home and in the community.
Registrations for Kids Voting 2026 are now open, with the Electoral Commission encouraging schools to sign up early so they receive their teaching resources ahead of the election period. Register your school at elections.nz.
