Information for Candidates

Stand for local government

Local government enables communities, through their elected representatives, to make decisions about the way their district, city or region works today and for the future. 

By being an elected a member of a council, or local or community board, you’ll be making a positive difference for people and communities for today and into the future. 

People elected to sit on Council or a Board are responsible for representing their community and for the governance of the community. A further key responsibility is to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi. 

Representation is to speak on behalf of individuals and organisations in your community, to act in their best interests, make decisions that consider the needs of both current and future generations. It is about fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging and ensuring all voices are heard. 

Roles candidates can stand for 

  • mayor 
  • councillor (in either a territorial authority or regional council) 
  • local board member 
  • community board member 
  • local licensing trust or other trust (if your district or city has them) 

Candidates Guide 

Local Government New Zealand have put together this comprehensive guide for Candidates. It contains information on roles and responsibilities of elected members, the type of people we are looking for and how to campaign for election. 

Download our Candidate’s Guide or more information on what it means to be an elected member or pick up a copy from your local electoral officer. 

Download a copy of our Guide to Local Government (being updated for 2025)  for more information of how local government works. 

Check out our candidates FAQs and information in accessible formats for candidates (being updated for 2025). 

Nomination process 

Candidate nominations are open from 4 July until 1 August at 12 noon, 2025. 

Nomination involves the following steps: 

  • Completion of an official nomination form, sent to the council’s electoral officer. 
  • Nominations from two people. Candidates cannot nominate themselves, and those who nominate candidates must be over 18 years old and enrolled to vote in the area the candidate is planning to stand. 
  • Candidates must consent to their nomination going forward. 
  • A $200 deposit must be paid, which may be refunded depending on election results. 
  • Candidates must be New Zealand citizens.