Horizons calls for candidates to stand for election

Horizons Regional Council is calling for people to stand for election – a key way to help to make the region a healthy environment where people thrive.

Horizons electoral officer Warwick Lampp says candidate nominations for this year’s local body elections open today and close at 12 noon on 1 August 2025.
 
“People with an interest in the management of natural resources across the Horowhenua, Palmerston North, Manawatū, Tararua, Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Ruapehu districts should turn their minds to standing for election,” says Mr Lampp.
 
“Horizons monitors and manages freshwater, biodiversity and biosecurity, provides critical flood management and climate resilience assets, manages the region’s response to natural disasters, plans public transport services, and much more.
 
“It is an exciting time to stand for a seat around Horizons’ council table. There are big projects underway, a lot of central government policy change in the pipeline, work to be undertaken to enhance our region’s resilience against climatic events, and new public transport networks to be launched. Successful candidates will have the chance to shape how all of those will impact the Horizons Region for years to come.”
 
Horizons, which is the trading name for Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Council, has 14 seats to fill once voting opens in September, says Mr Lampp.
 
“Those seats include two Māori constituencies: Raki Māori and Tonga Māori. Those councillors will represent people of Māori descent and bring forward Māori views and aspirations, but take an oath to serve all people in the Horizons Region.
 
“Candidates for those constituencies do not need to be of Māori descent. The opposite also applies, with Māori able to stand in general constituencies.
 
“Candidates can come from a wide range of backgrounds and hold different perspectives on a range of issues. This helps to create a variety of viewpoints around the council table after the election.”
 
More information about standing for election, including nomination forms, can be found online at elections.horizons.govt.nz. 
 
People can ensure they are enrolled and their details are correct online at vote.nz. 
 
For more specific information about the details of this election, head to elections.horizons.govt.nz or contact Horizons’ elections officers by emailing elections@horizons.govt.nz or calling free phone 0508 800 800.