Thinking of Standing?
Regional and unitary councils need leaders who care about their communities and the future. Elected members help guide decisions on major issues that affect us all, from water and land to climate resilience and growth planning.
Councillors come from different backgrounds and do best when they bring their values, a willingness to listen and learn, and a passion for making a difference to council.
Regional councillors bring diverse views, lived experience, and a range of professional and community backgrounds. Consider standing if you are:
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Collaborative and community-minded
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Interested in the environment, planning, growth, and infrastructure
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Good at listening and weighing up evidence
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Keen to help navigate complex, long-term decisions
Standing is a real way to serve your region and shape its future.
Who can stand?
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You must be a New Zealand citizen
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Be enrolled as a parliamentary elector (anywhere in New Zealand)
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Be nominated by two voters in the region or ward you're standing in
Learn more about the role and how to stand at your local council’s website or visit vote.nz for standing eligibility.
Consider standing to be a councillor in your region
Key dates 2025
Now until midday 1 August
- Submit your candidate nomination
- Check you are enrolled to vote
9 Sept 2025
- Voting documents posted out and voting opens
11 October 2025 at midday
- Voting closes
- Progress/preliminary results published
15-22 October 2025 (estimated)
- Declaration of final results
Elections info by region
Information about elections in your region
Auckland Council Bay of Plenty Regional Council Environment Canterbury Environment Southland Gisborne District Council Greater Wellington Hawke's Bay Regional Council Horizons Regional Council Marlborough District Council Nelson City Council Northland Regional Council Otago Regional Council Taranaki Regional Council Tasman District Council Waikato Regional Council West Coast Regional CouncilWhy Regional Government Matters
Regional and unitary councils collectively provide services and functions across all of New Zealand.
These councils fund and manage large-scale public transport networks and infrastructure, reduce flood risk and manage land drainage schemes, lead civil defence and emergency management, monitor and manage water, soil, and air quality. They do this alongside iwi, communities, and businesses to make the places we all call home safer, healthier, and more prosperous for now and future generations.
When regional councils are strong, our communities are stronger.
