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Information for candidates

Nominations for local elections have now closed. Local elections will be held on 11 October 2025.

Campaigning

There are not enough New Zealanders voting in local elections. There are many reasons for low levels of engagement – lack of knowledge of the work councils do, a perceived low ability to influence change, lack of competition between candidates, and lack of knowledge about the candidates and their views. Here are some things you can do to inform yourself on the matters of the regional council and to get votes.

  • Attend a council or committee meeting.
  • Talk to our electoral team about the role of councillor.
  • Know what’s important to your community.
  • Talk to people, connect with community groups, attend public meetings.
  • Know what you stand for and be able to articulate it.

Our 2025 Pre-Election Report provides information to promote public discussion about the issues facing the council. 

 

 

View our Democracy Dave short video series about the council's democratic process in "a nutshell".

 

Policy NZ profiles

Policy.nz will be gathering essential information about the candidates in New Zealand’s local elections 2025 for voters to compare and make an informed decision on who they will vote for. Once nominations have been confirmed, candidates will be contacted to answer questions about their background, motivations and priorities for a profile on Policy.nz under the respective constituencies for Waikato Regional Council.

 

Relevant forms and supporting information

Meet the candidates events Return of electoral expenses and donation form Campaign signage handbook Candidate handbook

What else do we do?

Information for voters

Democracy only succeeds if everyone gets involved. If you want to ensure your vision, needs and priorities for the Waikato region aren’t overlooked, vote for the person who you think will best represent your interests and views.

Get informed

Candidates

Find out who is standing for election in your constituency, where you can meet them at local events and read their profile statements. Vote for the person who you think will best represent your interests and views.

Meet the candidates

Democracy Dave

Short videos to help you understand this council's democratic processes, including how to get involved.

Meet Democracy Dave
Contact our electoral officer Constituencies Council and committee meetings Long term plan Annual report Annual plan

Local elections are in October

Get ready to participate in local elections 2025 for the Waikato region.

Start your elections journey