Last days to get nominations in for local government elections

Horizons electoral officer Warwick Lampp says candidate nominations for this year’s local body elections close at 12 noon on Friday 1 August 2025.
 
“We cannot accept nominations after noon. This includes if you email your nomination at 11.59am but it doesn’t arrive in our inbox until 12.01pm. 
 
“Getting your nominations in as soon as possible will ensure your candidacy is confirmed.”
 
Many candidates during the past month have submitted nomination paperwork, only for information to need correcting before they could be accepted, says Mr Lampp.
 
“There may not be enough time to make corrections if this happens on Friday, meaning you could miss out on becoming a candidate.”
 
As of 12 noon on Tuesday 29 July, there were enough nominations to run elections for the Palmerston North, Whanganui, Raki Māori and Horowhenua constituencies. 
 
The number of nominations in the Manawatū-Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and Tararua constituencies would result in the candidates being elected without a contest, says Mr Lampp.
 
“We do not yet have any nominations for our Tonga Māori constituency.
 
“While there will be a referendum during the election period to see if Horizons retains Māori constituencies from 2028 onwards, they will be in place for the 2025-2028 council term. People wanting to ensure Māori voices are represented and heard should consider standing in one of the constituencies.”
 
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.