More than 620 people have put their hands up for councils across the South.
So what do you need to know ahead of voting beginning?
It’s only the local elections, do they even matter?
Well, from playgrounds to cycle lanes, roaming pets to stinky rubbish, local authorities are responsible for planning and managing your city, town or district.
Councillors decide on rates and spending priorities, including funds for libraries, local roads, recycling, pest control and events.
Councils can also set rules, from inner-city booze bans to dog control.
The elections are your chance to vote for the people who make decisions affecting your backyard. Elections are held for the regional, city and district councils.
You can also vote for the mayor while some residents vote for local and community boards.
Who gets to vote?
You must be 18 years or older, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more at some time in your life.
If you are overseas, homeless or in prison, you may still be able to vote.
But I don’t think I’m enrolled
If you are registered to vote in parliamentary elections, you are automatically enrolled.
To enrol or check your details, visit the Votelocal website. You can change your details here too.
Those who enrol after August 1 will need to cast a ‘‘special vote’’.
General or Māori roll?
If you are of Māori descent, you can decide which electoral roll you want to be on.
If you are on the Māori roll and your local authority has a Māori ward or constituency, you’ll vote for a candidate in the Māori ward.
You can change your roll type at any time except in the three months before local elections.
How to vote
You will receive a voting document in the mail so that you can vote by post.
Some regions will also have orange boxes set up in public places to cast your vote. Councils will release these details closer to the election.
Local elections are on Saturday, October 11, but you don’t have to wait until then to vote.
Voting papers need to be posted back by October 7 or placed in an orange ballot box by noon, October 11.
Some people also get two votes, such as those who pay rates on two properties.
You’ll need to check with your council.
How do I know who is running?
Councils run the local elections and will provide information on the candidates.
Typically councils are legally obliged to publish their candidate lists after nominations close.
Look out for local debates, news stories and pamphlet drops. Once the election draws closer, the billboards and door knocks will begin.
It’s worth doing your research on candidates as disinformation can be circulated during election times.
When will we know the results?
Progress results will start coming in from noon on October 11.
Declaration of results will be released from October 16-22.
Election timeline
September 9-22: Voting documents delivered.
October 7: Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to council’s ballot boxes.
October 11: Election day - voting closes noon, followed by progress results.
October 16-22: Declaration of results.
October/November 2025: Elected members’ sworn in.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
