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Elections
When is the next local government election?
Election Day is Saturday 11 October 2025, with voting closing at midday on that day. The voting period starts on Tuesday 9 September 2025. Voters can return their vote anytime from when they receive their voting documents. Voting documents must be received by the Electoral Officer by close of voting - midday Saturday 11 October 2025.
Why are you holding a Māori constituencies referendum?
This referendum is a Government requirement - we must hold the referendum and abide by its result for the 2028 and 2031 local government elections.
Do I have to be on a specific roll (Māori or general) to vote in the Māori constituencies referendum?
No. You can be on either roll to take part. However, you must be enrolled in the Horizons Region to vote in the referendum on Horizons' Māori constituencies. Check and update your enrollment details here.
Do I have to vote for Horizons councillors to take part in the Māori wards referendum, or vice versa?
No. You can just take part in the referendum, or only vote for councillors. However, both are important - the referendum will decide if we retain Māori constituencies, while voting for councillors helps to create a council representative of the community.
Iwi and hapū endorsement?
If candidates wish to list whānau, hapū or iwi details as an affiliation, an endorsement or confirmation letter from a marae, whānau trust, iwi authority, or other Māori organisation would be required. It is acknowledged whakapapa is a birthright and situations may occur where candidates may not feel they need to provide proof, in which case whakapapa can be highlighted in the context of the candidate profile statement and other forms and activities.
What happens with your Māori constituencies with the referendum taking place?
Horizons will have Māori constituencies for the 2025 local government elections and subsequent term. If the referendum comes back with the majority voting to retain the constituences, they will remain in place until at least the next representation review. If the referendum result comes back with the majority voting to disestablish the constituencies, they will not be in place for the 2028 and 2031 local government elections and subsequent terms.
Who is running the election?
The Electoral Officer has full responsibility for running the election.
What is the name of the Electoral Officer/Deputy Electoral Officer for Horizons Regional Council?
What type of voting method do you use?
Horizons Regional Council will use the First Past the Post (FPP) voting method. The candidate/s that get the most votes get elected.
How many constituencies does Horizons Regional Council have?
Horizons Regional Council has eight (8) constituencies. See our constituencies map for their boundaries.
What is the role of a councillor?
A councillor:
What is the difference between Māori and general constituencies?
Horizons Regional Council has Māori constituencies. Councillors for Māori constituencies are elected by those enrolled to vote on the respective Māori electoral roll. Councillors for general constituencies are elected by those enrolled to vote on the general electoral roll.
What qualifications and experience do I need to be a candidate?
You must be a New Zealand citizen and be a parliamentary elector anywhere in New Zealand. Other requirements are that:
You do not need to reside in the area (city, district, ward, constituency, community board or local board) you are standing for.
You do not need any formal qualifications. Elected members come from all walks of life and generally have a desire to serve their community.
Can I be affiliated with an organisation or group when I stand for election?
Yes. If you belong to a political party or other group, you may want to identify with them. However, you don’t have to have any affiliations. If this is your situation, you can identify as ‘independent’ or leave the space blank when you fill out your nomination form. If you do have a specific affiliation, the Electoral Officer may require a letter of consent from the party, organisation or group giving its consent for you to use the affiliation.
How many people do I need to nominate me?
You need two people to nominate you.
When do nominations open and how to I lodge my nomination?
Nominations open from 4 July 2025 and close at 12 noon on 1 August 2025. 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. Do not leave your nomination until the final day. If there any problems with the details provided, there might not be enough time to resolve them and you could miss out on being nominated. Furthermore, if you email your nomination at 11.59am on 1 August but it does not land in our inbox until 12.01pm on 1 August, it must be considered late and not accepted.
Where do I get a nomination form from?
Nomination forms are available from:
Do I need to be on the Māori electoral roll or of Māori descent if I am standing for election in a Māori constituency?
No. To be eligible you must be a New Zealand citizen and your name must be on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll (anywhere in New Zealand). You will need to be nominated by two electors whose names appear on the Māori electoral roll within the area of election for which you are standing. The opposite also applies. If you are on the Māori electoral roll you can stand in a general constituency, and will need to be nominated by two electors whose names appear on the general electoral roll within the area of election for which you are standing.
How much will it cost me to stand?
You will need to pay a nomination deposit of $200 GST inclusive. The funds must be deposited with the Electoral Officer at the same time your nomination is submitted. It is recommended you pay the nomination deposit by online/internet banking (or EFTPOS or cash) noting that cheques are no longer accepted. If you poll greater than 25% of the lowest polling successful candidate (for FPP elections) you will receive your nomination deposit back.
Can I withdraw my nomination as a candidate?
Only if it is withdrawn before the close of nominations. You cannot withdraw voluntarily after nominations have closed. If you decide to opt out, your name will still appear on the voting document. If you do change your mind and decide not to run for election after you have been nominated, let your Electoral Officer know who will talk through the issues with you. However, if you become incapacitated with serious illness or injury and unlikely to be able to perform the functions and duties if elected to office, you can apply to withdraw on those grounds. You will need verification from a doctor and lawyer about your situation. See your local Electoral Officer if you need more information about this process.
What is a candidate profile statement?
You may provide a candidate profile statement when you lodge your nomination. This is a statement of up to 150 words containing information about yourself and your policies and intentions if elected to office. The profile statement will be included in the voting packs that all electors receive. If your candidate statement is submitted in Māori and English, the information contained in each language must be substantially consistent with the information contained in the other language. Each language has to be within a 150-word limit. Your profile statement must be true and accurate. The Electoral Officer is not required to verify or investigate any information included in your statement. Your profile can include a recent passport size colour photograph. In addition, your candidate profile statement must state whether or not your principal place of residence is in the area you are seeking election, e.g., ‘My principal place of residence is in the Palmerston North Constituency’, or ‘My principal place of residence is not in the Palmerston North Constituency’. This is not part of the 150-word limit. Click/tap here to see section 61 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 for more information about candidate profile statements.
Does a criminal record affect a person standing as a council candidate?
No, not at all for city, district, and regional council elections. However, please contact the Horizons Regional Council Electoral Officer for more information. Email: warwick.lampp@electionz.com Mobile: 021 498 517
How long is the term of the elected member?
Three years.
Is the role I want to stand for full-time or part-time?
This varies between councils and between roles within a council. Ask your local Electoral Officer about a guide to how many hours a week the role encompasses. Councillors generally pair around 20 hours per week of work with another job. This council work might involve council meetings, community visits, workshops, reading council documents or writing newspaper columns. The chair of Horizons Regional Council, however, is a full-time role. The chair is not elected by the public during local government elections, but at the first Horizons meeting of the term by all councillors.
How much will I get paid?
Pay and allowances are determined by the Government’s Remuneration Authority. Some expenses are also reimbursed. The pay rates vary according to population size and other factors. You can see every councils’ remuneration schedules by clicking on this link to the Local Government Members (2024/25) Determination. More information about how the Remuneration Authority determines pay can be found here.
Do I need to be resident in the city, district or region I am standing for?
No, but you must be on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll (anywhere in New Zealand) and provide proof that you are a New Zealand citizen.
How many offices can I stand for?
You cannot stand for both a regional council and one of its constituent district or city councils or a community board.
I am a serving police officer. Can I stand for council and continue to work as a police officer?
Yes. There are no longer any restrictions on police officers standing for local authority elections, apart from the normal eligibility criteria.
Can I raise campaign funds from donations to offset electoral expenses?
Yes, you can raise funds from donations to help offset your campaign expenses. There is very specific legislation about donations and expenses, which you must follow. Refer to the Horizons Electoral Officer for more information if needed. Email: warwick.lampp@electionz.com Mobile: 021 498 517
How much can I spend on my campaign?
The amount you can spend is based on the constituency you run in. See the table below for full details. If you stand for more than one position, the amount you can spend is the highest amount for one position. You cannot add positions together to allow you to spend more than the limit. All candidates are required to lodge an electoral donations and expenses return within 55 days after the day on which the successful candidates are declared to be elected (public notice of final results). If a candidate is outside NZ on this day, the return must be filed within 76 days after election result day. If this is not done, the non-return will be advised to the NZ Police. This return needs to be made before a candidate nomination deposit is refunded (if applicable).
When is the campaign period?
Election campaigning can start at any time and continue up to and including election day.
Can people already elected onto council use council resources to campaign?
No. Elected members cannot use council resources for their campaigns.
Are there any rules about using social media?
Yes. All councils in Aotearoa New Zealand have policies or guidelines for web and social media use related to campaigning. They will not permit council social media pages to be used by anyone (candidates or members of the public) for electioneering or campaigning in the three months before election day. Councils monitor their websites and take down any campaign related posts. You can find our full website terms and conditions, and our social media guidelines, here.
What does ‘authorisation of advertising’ mean?
Election advertising, using any media, must identify either you or your agent. The publication of any advertisements (in any newspaper, periodical, notice, poster, pamphlet, handbill, billboard or card, or broadcast over radio or television) for candidates requires the written authorisation of you or your agent. The advertisement must contain the following:
Where and when can I put up election signs?
Election signs are permitted on private property (with the owner’s consent) at any time. The sign must be erected in a stable fashion, not be a hazard to the public or to traffic safety, and must comply with the local authority district plan/bylaw. For state highways, signs must meet NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi rules for any signage. Depending on your local city or district council’s rules, election signs may be permitted on selected council property/road reserves. On these sites, signs can be erected in accordance with the rules, and generally must be removed by midnight Friday 10 October 2025. Ask the Electoral Officer from your local city/district council for more information about your council’s rules.
When will election results be known?
Voting closes at noon on Saturday 11 October 2025. Progress results (approximately 90% of votes cast) will be known early that afternoon, with preliminary results known the next morning. Final results will likely to be declared between 16 and 16 October 2025.
Can I view the electoral roll?
Yes, the electoral roll will be open for public inspection at your city or district council’s offices and libraries.
Can I help someone fill out their voting documents?
Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, you cannot interfere or influence any person as to how they can vote. If authorised by a voter who is physically impaired, visually impaired or for who English is a second language, a person can assist them to vote as directed by the voter.
I'm a candidate for council. Can I help people vote or collect their voting documents to send in?
No. Candidates or their assistants should not collect voting documents from electors. Each elector should post or deliver their own voting document to the Electoral Officer. It is an offence (carrying a fine of up to $5,000 if convicted) to interfere in any way with an elector with the intention of influencing or advising the elector as to how they should vote. Candidates and their assistants should be mindful of this, particularly if campaigning occurs in facilities such as rest homes or hospitals.
What is the election date?
The elections are by postal vote. Voting documents will be delivered from 9-22 September 2025. Voters can return their vote anytime from when they receive their voting documents. Votes must be received by the Electoral Officer by the close of voting at noon on 11 October 2025.
I own a business in your area and pay rates, but we don’t live in your area – do we get a say in the local elections?
Yes, subject to being eligible to become enrolled as a ratepayer elector and becoming enrolled. Contact your local city or district council for more information about becoming a ratepayer elector.
I turn 18 on Election Day. Can I vote?
Yes, but you need to make sure you have enrolled which you can do provisionally from the age of 17 and it automatically changes when you turn 18. You will also need to apply for a special vote. You can do both if you call your local city or district council.
I own a property in the region but it is not my fulltime residence. How do I get on the Ratepayer Electoral Roll?
You will need to contact your local city or district council to get on the Ratepayer Electoral Roll.
I am on the Māori electoral roll, does this affect who I can vote for?
Yes, if you are on the Māori roll you can only vote for those standing in a Māori constituency. You can learn more about our constituencies here.
I am a student and spend my time in different places. Where should I enrol?
You should enrol where you spend the greater part of your time.
I am a New Zealand Māori. Do I need to enrol on the Māori roll?
Not necessarily. If you are enrolling for the first time you can decide whether you want to go on the Māori Electoral Roll or the General Electoral Roll by signing the appropriate panel on the Parliamentary Elector Enrolment form. Otherwise, you can check and update your enrolment details here. You can change rolls anytime except for in the three months before the local elections or general elections.
How do I know if I am enrolled?
You can check your enrolment status online at vote.nz. You need to complete an enrolment form to be enrolled. You can either:
How do I enrol to vote in these elections?
You must be enroled to vote. Head here to check if you are enrolled and, if you are, what roll you are on (Māori or general). You can either:
Is it a postal vote and will I be sent my voting documents in the mail?
All local government elections in Aotearoa New Zealand are conducted by postal vote. Voting documents will be delivered in the mail between 9 and 22 September 2025.
I got my voting documents, but my partner didn’t receive theirs. Why?
Contact your city or district council Electoral Officer.
I didn’t get my voting documents, so I called and got a special vote. However, my voting papers have turned up and I now have two documents. Which one should I use?
Use the original and destroy the special vote. This is because processing an original voting document is much simpler than processing a special vote. An original voting document is also more likely to be filled in correctly, hence our preference for the ordinary vote to be completed and returned.
I received voting documents for someone (e.g. children and/or parent) and have Power of Attorney for them. Can I vote for them? What should I do with the documents?
No. Power of Attorney does not apply to voting on behalf of people. If they are overseas, you could airmail them to the person or destroy them if airmail is not practicable. If they are unable to vote, please destroy the documents by ripping or cutting them up.
I received voting documents that do not belong to me and I don’t know the people/where the people live. What should I do?
Write GNA (Gone No Address) on the front of envelope and put it back in the mail.
What is that barcode that I can see through the return envelope or on the front of the voting document?
It is a legal requirement to scan the barcode number to mark the electoral roll you use to vote. This is how we ensure we do not receive two votes from the same person.
How do you ensure the secrecy of my vote?
Envelopes containing a voting document cannot be opened until there is a Justice of the Peace (JP) present. The JP is required to sign off that the processes used by the Electoral Officer meets legal requirements. The voter’s name is not on the voting document. When the envelope is opened the only thing the Electoral Officer is looking for is that the vote for each election is valid. For Horizons and other councils using the First Past the Post (FPP system), this means they are making sure the voter’s intention is clear and they have not ticked or marked more than the number of candidates than there are vacancies.
Do I have to vote? I don’t know any of these candidates
No, you don’t have to vote. You also don’t have to vote for all candidates or for all elections. However, your vote is important - the people elected will be responsible for making decisions about what happens in your community for the next three years. To help you get to know about the candidates:
Do I have to vote for all the candidates for any issue? If I don’t vote for all the candidates or all the issues on my voting document, will all my votes be informal?
Under the First Past the Post (FPP) system, you can vote for as many candidates as you want but not more than the number of positions available on the voting document.
For example, if you are electing five councillors then you can vote for up to five candidates. Remember, for FPP you tick the candidates you want to elect. Some councils in our region operate the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. Under STV, you can vote for all or as many candidates as you wish. These candidates must be numbered in order of your preference and no number can be repeated. With STV, you rank the candidates you want to elect from number 1 onwards. You can decide not to vote for one or more of the different elections on your voting document. This does not invalidate all your other votes.
Do I have to post my voting document back?
You have various options to get your votes in:
I have lost my return envelope. What should I do?
You can use an envelope of your own, as long as you put the correct return address and Freepost number on it OR contact your local city or district council Electoral Officer.
I am on the Unpublished Parliamentary roll and I want a special vote. How do I do this?
Contact the Electoral Officer at your local city or district council.
I didn’t receive my voting pack, how do I obtain a special vote?
As voting packs are mailed out, other people may get their packs before you. If you believe you have been missed entirely, you should contact the Electoral Officer at your local city or district council.
I spoiled my voting documents / I have made a mistake on my documents. What can I do?
If you can amend it so that your voting intention is clear, then do so and initial the changes. Otherwise, contact your local city or district council Electoral Officer so they can issue you with another voting document.
Where can I have a special vote?
Contact your local city or district council Electoral Officer for more information about special voting.
I am going away and will not be here when the voting documents are posted out. Can I still vote?
It is possible to cast special votes in local government elections. You can contact your local city or district council Electoral Officer for more information.
My spouse's voting document and mine are different. They more/less things to vote for, and their list of candidates is different to mine. Why?
Horizons Regional Council is using random name order on the voting documents. This could explain why the list looks different. Horizons also has Maori constituencies. If you and your husband are not on the same electoral roll (Māori or general), this may explain why the voting documents are different. If not, then you should contact the Electoral Officer. Warwick Lampp (Electoral Officer) Email: warwick.lampp@electionz.com Mobile: 021 498 517
I have received two voting documents. What should I do?
Contact your local city or district council Electoral Officer.
Do all the staff working on the election know who I voted for?
No. Your vote remains secret under the required roll scrutiny and counting procedures.
What happens to all the voting documents after the elections?
They are delivered to the District Court and kept for 21 days. This enables the Court to access them should there be any application for recount or petition for inquiry. After 21 days, the court is responsible for destroying them.
When will we know the results of the election?
Progress and preliminary results will be announced as soon as possible after noon on Saturday 11 October 2025. The official results will be announced when the final count is complete and special votes have been checked, which will be between 16 and 19 October 2025.
How will I find out if I have been elected?
Candidates will be advised as soon as possible, either be by email or phone, after progress and preliminary results are known. Progress and preliminary results will be released to media outlets and placed on our website as soon as possible after noon on Saturday 11 October 2025.
What do I need to do if I want to challenge the results of the election?
Contact the Horizons Electoral Officer. Warwick Lampp (Electoral Officer) Email: warwick.lampp@electionz.com Mobile: 021 498 517
When do elected members take up their roles?
Elected members take up office the day after the official result has been declared by public notice. However, they cannot act until they have sworn the oath of office which is usually at the first meeting of council. This first meeting is usually held as soon as practicable after the final election results are known.
Who are elected members responsible to?
All elected members’ final responsibility is to the local community. The Minister of Local Government and the Auditor-General have a role in ensuring councils follow the law.
How many elected members are there?
Horizons Regional Council will have 14 Elected Members, split across the following constituencies:
I have a complaint about electoral signage.
You might have the following complaints, questions or queries:
Contact your local city or district council Electoral Officer for that council’s Signage Policy, or the Horizons Electoral Officer.
Warwick Lampp (Horizons Electoral Officer) Email: warwick.lampp@electionz.com Mobile: 021 498 517
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