Of the nominations there are 12 Mayoral candidates, 46 Councillor candidates, and 8 candidates for the Tawa Community Board.
Mākara/Ōhāriu Community Board received 4 nominations for its 6 positions forcing a by-election to fill the remaining 2 vacancies. This will be held early next year.
Candidate’s information and affiliations are on the Council website at wellington.govt.nz/elections. For the first time, Wellington City candidates will have the opportunity to have a video recorded and uploaded to the website alongside their written information. This will be available towards the end of the month.
To find out more about the candidates head along or tune into one of the many events happening around the city and online. Details can be found on the candidates’ events section of the Council’s website.
The Council’s Deputy Electoral Officer Jennifer Parker says the strong showing of candidates means democracy is alive and well in the capital.
“These candidates have put their hand up to represent their community and be an advocate for their supporters – now it’s up to the public to do their bit.
“Find out about all the candidates on the Council’s website over the next few weeks, and we’ll also be posting videos of them introducing themselves so you can hear their thoughts and get to know them a bit better.
“Candidate debates are another way of finding out more about what they stand for, and provides a perfect opportunity for the public to ask them some burning questions too.
“Don’t forget to vote for your voice to be heard at the table.”
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.
The last day to enrol to receive voting papers by mail was 1 August, but you can enrol up until 10 October 2025, you’ll just need to cast a special vote. Find out more at wellington.govt.nz/elections.
Key dates for the 2025 local elections:
- From 4 August – Public notice of candidates’ names available.
- 9-22 September – Voting documents delivered.
- 9 September – Voting opens.
- 7 October – Recommended last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes will need to 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.
All information about election and voting can be found at: electionnz.com.