Every three years, Wellington City’s local elections give residents and other ratepayers the chance to vote for a Mayor and Councillors. Together, the elected Mayor and Councillors enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, the community.
What do councils do?
Councils provide communities with a wide range of local services and facilities. Your Council makes decisions to improve community wellbeing, and provides key infrastructure like water supply, sewerage, roads, rubbish and recycling, recreational facilities, and parks.
The unseen infrastructure
Local government is the quiet machine that keeps our city running day in and day out. It ensures clean water reaches your home, rubbish bags are collected, streets are lit at night, and potholes get fixed. You may not notice them most of the time, but when something goes wrong like a missed rubbish day or a street light outage you soon realise how important it is that these services are up and running.
The places we live and play
It’s not just about the basic necessities. Local councils also maintain public spaces like libraries, sports facilities, playgrounds, and community centres. They run events and festivals in our city that bring people together and strengthen our community, culture and diversity.
Shaping the future
Local councils also determine where new homes can be built, how green spaces are protected, and what your streets will look like in in the future. All of these are shaped by zoning rules, environmental policies, and planning decisions made by your local council. These choices affect housing affordability, climate action, and the character of your neighbourhood.
Where the money goes
Local councils fund their work mainly through rates, the local tax paid by property owners. That money is divided across essential services, infrastructure projects, community facilities, and planning for the future. The balance between keeping rates affordable and funding community needs is one of the toughest decisions local councils make.
What does this mean for you as a voter?
Your voice matters
You can influence these decisions by voting in this year’s election. If you were enrolled by 1 August 2025, you’ll get your voting papers in the post between 9 and 22 September. You can either post your vote back by 7 October, or drop it in an orange voting bin by 12 noon on 11 October (these will be available at 50+ locations around the city). If you missed the 1 August deadline, you can enrol or update your details up until 10 October, but you’ll need to special vote.
Get involved and enrol to vote
Local council might feel like background noise, but it shapes your daily life more than you realise. The street you live on, the water you drink, the spaces you enjoy – all shaped by decisions made right here in your community. So, when the time comes to vote, take a moment to get involved. Your voice really can shape the place you call home.
Where to get more info