Elections 2025

Local elections are your chance to choose who represents you on Horizons Regional Council.

• Elections are held every three years by postal vote.
• If you’re on the electoral roll, you can vote in local elections where you live.
• The next local body elections will be held on 11 October 2025.

Nominations are open now!

Nominations for candidates in this year's local government elections are open from 4 July until 12 noon on 1 August. 

We are looking for candidates in all eight of our constituencies. The requirements are simple:

• Be a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Complete an official nomination form and send it to Horizons' electoral officer.
• Ensure your nomination is made by two people. You cannot nominate yourself, and those who nominate you must be 18 years or older and enrolled to vote in the constituency you are standing in.
• You must consent to being nominated.
• You have to pay a $200 deposit.

Nominations can be lodged in person at Horizons' Palmerston North office (11-15 Victoria Ave) or emailed to elections@horizons.govt.nz before the closing date and time.

Select the button below this paragraph to learn more about standing for Horizons. You can find a nomination form and candidate handbook on the same webpage.

If you have any questions about standing for council, please contact our elections team by emailing elections@horizons.govt.nz or calling free phone 0508 800 800.

Regional Council responsibilities

Horizons Regional Council plays a key role in the management of natural resources in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region. This includes monitoring of freshwater, flood management, public transport, biodiversity and biosecurity. Horizons plays a varied and integral role in the environment. If the future of our region is important to you, then standing or voting in the 2025 local elections should be too. 

Visit the about section of our website to learn more about the area we cover and work we do. You can also watch the video below to learn more about the elections process, what being a councillor involves and why you should stand for election.

Want to know more?

For further information about Horizons Regional Council elections, please contact the Electoral Officer on 0508 800 800 or by emailing elections@horizons.govt.nz.
 
Disclaimer: Horizons Regional Council's websites and social media channels must not be used for electioneering purposes. We will immediately remove any content on our websites and social media channels (positive or negative) made by any individual specifically relating to their own or someone else's nomination, intention to run for council, or election campaign. More information about our Social Media Guidelines and Website Terms & Conditions can be found here.

District and City Council information

• Horowhenua District Council
• Manawatū District Council
• Palmerston North City Council 
• Ruapehu District Council
• Rangitīkei District Council
• Tararua District Council
• Whanganui District Council