Media

Issues such as climate change, COVID-19, population growth and sustainability are driving wide-spread change in our society. The 2022 elections are also occurring at a time when significant changes are being made to the role and function of local government.

Following the 2019 local elections the profile of elected members is:

• The proportion of women elected to local government: 40.5%
• 21 out of 78 mayors are women
• The percentage of members elected in 2019 for the first time: 41%
• The number of members who identify as Māori: 13.5%
• The average age of elected members: 56 – 60
• The percentage of members under the age of 40: 13.9% (up from 7% in 2016)
• The share of members for whom being an elected member is their primary occupation: 35%
• The share of members who are graduates: 23.5%
• The number of elected members (councillors, mayors, board members): 1605

The following resources are available to aid your reporting of the issues that matter to your communities:

• Guide to Local Government: All you need to know about the structure and workings of local authorities, plus details on this year’s elections.
• Candidate Guide: Information shared with prospective candidates to inspire their nomination.

Contacts

For all media enquiries relating to the local authority elections please contact us.