The Council’s Deputy Electoral Officer Jennifer Parker says Mayoral and Ward Councillor candidate nominations are still being received, and currently looking set to be more than previous years, but with just a week to go, other interested parties are encouraged not to wait until the last minute.
“It’s great to see people wanting to represent their community in the local election process, and we expect quite a few more to come in, as the last week is always the busiest for our team.
“There’s already a strong showing for Pukehīnau/Lambton General Ward, and a few candidates have officially thrown their hat in the ring for the Mayoralty, but the clock is ticking and applications won’t be accepted if they miss the deadline of midday Friday 1 August.”
Information is available for voters and candidates at wellington.govt.nz/elections, including the pre-election report, nomination forms, candidate handbook, key dates, FAQs, ward maps, and details about the Māori ward poll.
- To be eligible to stand, prospective nominees must be New Zealand citizens, 18 years and over, and on the electoral roll.
- Candidates don’t have to live in the area in which they want to stand.
- A candidate cannot nominate themselves. Two people who are enrolled in the area or ward they want to stand in must nominate them.
- A nomination deposit of $200 is payable for each position candidates wish to contest.
As part of the election this year, Wellington City candidates will also have the opportunity to have a video recorded and uploaded to the website alongside their written information.
The local elections are conducted by postal vote, and people who are enrolled can expect to receive their voting packs in the mail from 9-22 September. Voting closes at 12 noon on Saturday 11 October.
Key dates for the 2025 local elections:
- 4 July – Candidate nominations open and roll opens for public inspection.
- 1 August – Candidate nominations close at 12 noon.
- From 4 August – Public notice of candidates’ names available.
- 9-22 September – Voting documents delivered.
- 9 September – Voting opens.
- 7 October – Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to the Council’s secure orange voting bins, available at 50+ locations around the city.
- 11 October – Election day – voting closes 12 noon.
- 11 October – Progress results released.
- 15-22 October – Final results announced.
- Late October – Elected member inauguration and swearing-in ceremony.
For more information about standing, enrolling and voting, visit wellington.govt.nz/elections.