Registration of persons disqualified for registration under section 80(1) (c) following discharge

1 Before a person who is disqualified for registration under section 80(1)(c) is discharged from a hospital or secure facility, the Director of Mental Health must, so far as is reasonably practicable,— a advise the person that,— i if they are of or over the age of 18 years and they are a New Zealand citizen or a resident for electoral purposes (as defined in section 73 ) and have at some time resided continuously in New Zealand for a period of not less than 1 year, they must, within 1 month after the date of their discharge, apply to the Electoral Commission for registration as an elector of an electoral district; or ii if they are of or over the age of 17 years, but under the age of 18 years, and they are a New Zealand citizen or a resident for electoral purposes (as defined in section 73 ) and have at some time resided continuously in New Zealand for a period of not less than 1 year, they may, after their discharge, apply to the Electoral Commission for registration as an elector of an electoral district; and b ask the person whether they want their registration details sent to the Electoral Commission to facilitate their registration as an elector. 2 If the person wants their registration details sent to the Electoral Commission to facilitate their registration as an elector, section 86AAD applies. 3 Subsection (1) does not apply if the person is being discharged to a prison. Section 86AAC : inserted , on 20 December 2025 , by section 12 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 82).