2025 - Local elections

Local body elections are held every three years. The next election will be by postal vote from 9 September to 11 October 2025.

This is your opportunity to choose who will represent you in council decisions.

This year, there’s an important poll on Māori seats. Recent government changes mean council must now hold a binding poll on whether to keep its Māori constituency.

Key election dates

  • 1 September 2024 - 4 July 2025
    Consider being a candidate.
  • 1 September 2024 - 1 August 2025
    Check you are enrolled to vote.
  • 2 July 2025
    Public notice of election, calling for nominations, roll open for inspection.
  • 4 July 2025
    Nominations open / roll open for inspection.
  • 1 August 2025
    Nominations close (12 noon) / roll closes.
  • 6 August 2025
    Public notice of day of election, candidates’ names.
  • 9 September – 22 September 2025
    Delivery of voting documents.
  • 7 October 2025
    Last day for postal voting. After that date you can hand deliver your voting document to a ballot box up until midday Saturday 11 October 2025).
  • 11 October 2025
    - Election day
    - Close of voting (12 noon)
    - Progress and preliminary results available as soon as practicable after close of voting.
  • 14 October – 17 October 2025
    Official count
  • 17 October – 18 October 2025
    Declaration of result/public notice of declaration.
  • mid/late December 2025
    Return of electoral donations & expenses form.