Of the 50 Mayor and Councillor candidates 47 took up the offer of the short video answering the same questions about their skills and strengths, decision-making for their community, and what the key challenges and opportunities are for the city.
The videos appear with the candidate statements online at wellington.govt.nz/candidates. Candidate booklets featuring their statements will also be included with voting papers being delivered between 9 and 22 September to enrolled voters.
The Council’s Deputy Electoral Officer Jennifer Parker says the videos are just one of several initiatives available to make voting more accessible for everyone.
“As well as the online candidate statements and videos, there will also be candidate booklets in accessible formats online and at the 2025 Election Hub at the Brandon Street Te Awe Library throughout the voting period from early September.
“The Electoral Commission website vote.nz also has information about enrolling and voting in alternate formats including braille, audio, large print and in different languages.
“A lack of information about candidates is a key reason why people do not vote, so we encourage voters to also find out more about the candidates, and see them in person at the many community-run Meet the Candidate events which are in full flight all around Pōneke, and check out policy.nz in September to compare candidates running in your area.”
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.
More information is available for voters and candidates at wellington.govt.nz/elections, including key dates, FAQs, ward maps, and details about the Māori ward poll.
Preliminary and final election results will be available at wellington.govt.nz/elections once the votes are processed.
Visit wellington.govt.nz/candidates to view all the videos or check out the YouTube all candidate playlist here.