Local elections are held every 3 years. In Wellington City, residents and other ratepayers have the chance to vote for a Mayor and Council, community boards, and Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Ngā rā mātua | Key dates
Friday 4 July 2025: candidate nominations open, roll opens for public inspection
Friday 1 August 2025: candidate nominations close at 12 noon, roll closes
Tuesday 9 September 2025: voting documents posted out, voting opens
Saturday 11 October 2025: voting closes at 12 noon
Saturday 11 October 2025: preliminary results available
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 October 2025: declaration of final results
Me pēhea taku rēhita hei pōti | How do I enrol to vote?
You can enrol as a resident if you:
- are 18 years or older,
- are a New Zealand Citizen or permanent resident,
- have lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more at some time in your life.
If you’re enrolled to vote for the parliamentary elections, then you’re automatically enrolled for Council elections too.
Visit vote.nz, email enrol@vote.nz, call 0800 36 76 56, or freetext your name and address to 3676 to enrol to vote or to update your enrolment details.
How to enrol as a non-resident ratepayer
If you own property in Wellington but live elsewhere you may be able to enrol as a non-resident ratepayer elector and vote in both areas. You can check your eligibility and enrol by visiting the ElectioNZ ratepayer enrolment portal or enrol using the form below:
Enrolment form for ratepayer electors (134KB PDF)
Election protocols for elected members
The election protocols for elected members provide guidance for the current mayor and councillors to balance their dual role as elected members and candidates seeking re-election.
2025 election protocols for elected members (1.2MB PDF)
Need help?
Deputy Electoral Officer
Phone: 04 499 4444
Email: election@wcc.govt.nz