Get informed for the 2025 local elections
Ahead of local government elections, Retail NZ has compiled this guide for retail businesses. See what your options are for getting involved, key dates to keep in mind, and how to find your local council’s plans and their potential impact on your business.
Local government invests in and supports infrastructure used by both retailers and customers, for example, wastewater, public transport, setting and collecting rates, and town planning.
They are also responsible for the social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing of their communities, including collecting rubbish and recycling, keeping streets well-lit with safe footpaths, and supporting events and festivals.
Useful links
Why participate in your local government?
Retail NZ encourages members to take part in local government. Local government’s responsibilities cover many of the things that retailers rely on and need to succeed.
Retail NZ will always speak out on behalf of our members, but by giving your own opinions or participating in local government, you will strengthen our mutual position.
Every day, New Zealand retailers are working tirelessly, contributing over $30 billion to the economy per quarter, and employing nearly one in ten people. Just as important, is the contribution retail makes to our communities. When our high streets thrive, they create vibrant gathering places where neighbours meet and local culture flourishes.
Right now, many of our town centres are struggling. Empty shops, rising costs and competition from overseas online retailers are putting pressure on local businesses that have served their communities for decades. The councils elected in October will play a crucial role in determining whether this trend continues, or whether we can rebuild a thriving retail sector that benefits everyone.
Local government decisions have a huge impact on your retail business. Rates, parking, foot traffic, safety, the ease of getting something approved or fixed – all these daily pressures are either helped or hindered by what happens at council.
That’s why the 2025 local elections are so important. The next group of elected councillors and mayors will influence the retail landscape for years to come. This is your chance to make sure they understand what retailers need to thrive.
How you can participate in local government
There are many ways you can participate in local government and be involved in decision-making processes. These include:
- Contribute to a consultation or make a submission on a local government plan or other proposal
- Run for office as a local government candidate 
- Find your candidates on your local council website: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/local-government-in-nz/councils-in-aotearoa/council-websites-and-maps/
- Ask candidates how they’ll support local retailers
- Attend local meetings and forums in the lead-up to 11 October
- Share these points, and discuss the issues with other retailers – many voices speaking together are more impactful
- Contact your mayor or councillors, meet with your community board representatives, or get in touch through your local government’s social media accounts.
- Vote – and stay engaged after the election
- Find out more: www.vote.nz
Voting or standing in local elections
Local government elections will be held on Saturday 11 October 2025. Below are the key dates. All local body elections are postal elections. If you’re already on the electoral roll, you will be sent your voting papers. If not, you can enrol or update your details online, or call 0800 36 76 56 for help.
You can also stand for election to the role of:
- mayor
- councillor (in either a territorial authority or regional council)
- local board member
- community board member
- local licensing trust or other trust (if your district or city has them)
If you’re keen, find more information here.
Countdown to local elections on 11 October:
Key dates
| 4 July 2025 | Candidate nominations open and roll opens for public inspection |
| 1 August 2025, at noon | Candidate nominations close and roll closes |
| 6 August 2025 | Public notice of candidates’ names |
| 9 – 22 September 2025 | Voting documents delivered |
| 7 October 2025 | Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to council’s secure ballot boxes. |
| 11 October 2025, at noon | Election day – voting closes at noon |
| 11 October 2025 from noon | Progress results |
| 16 – 22 October 2025 | Declaration of results |
| October/November 2025 | Elected members’ swearing in ceremonies |
Our priorities: what local Government can do to help Retail thrive
Fair commercial rates
Rates charged by local council have been rising rapidly above inflation.
Retailers need:
- A commitment to work with retailers when setting local rates.
- Transparency about how rates are calculated and used.
- Rates which reflect local economic conditions and help create thriving retail precincts.
- Relief options for small businesses in downturns or during disruption.
Why it matters:
Sharp or unpredictable rate increases make it harder to remain profitable. Closures mean more empty shops, fewer jobs and struggling high streets.
This deters customers from shopping locally and they may turn to other locations or internationally owned online stores.
Ask your candidates:
- “Will you commit to working with retailers when setting rates?”
- “Will you ensure ratepayer funding is not mis-spent?”
- “What support will you offer small businesses that are negatively affected by council decisions? For example, where roadworks disrupt foot traffic?”
Integrated transport, parking, and access
Kiwis prefer shopping in person to online. Local government plays a critical role in creating reliable public transport networks, adequate parking, and safe walking and cycling infrastructure.
Retailers need:
- Better public and active transport options: buses, walking and cycling links that make town centres accessible.
- Affordable and convenient parking.
- Pedestrian-friendly environments: safe crossings, wide footpaths, seating, clean streets and shade.
- Good access for delivery vehicles and emergency vehicles.
Why it matters:
People shop where it’s pleasant and easy to get to. Places that are walkable and well-connected get more repeat visits – good for retailers and communities.
Ask your candidates:
- “How will you ensure customers can easily get to our town centres?”
- “What is your view on customer parking?”
- “Will you work with retailers when changes to local transport options are planned?”
Vibrant, safe and well-maintained town centres
Town centres feel like they’re in decline. Creating thriving commercial centres, where people want to spend their time and money, is a central role of local government.
Retailers need:
- Streets that feel safe, clean and welcoming.
- Councils that respond quickly to reports of local issues. Graffiti, fly tipping, litter on the street, and potholes can be off-putting to customers.
- Regular investment in lighting, seating, public toilets, greenery, and cultural and heritage preservation.
- Events, markets and other activities that drive footfall.
- Proactive management of antisocial behaviour.
Why it matters:
Customers will spend time in town centres that feel safe and cared for. Your council can help create places people want to go to spend their time and money.
Ask your candidates:
- “What’s your plan to make our high streets feel safe and welcoming?”
- “Do you support investing in events that attract people to our town?”
- “What will you do to prevent antisocial behaviour?”
Efficient local regulation and business-friendly processes
Whether you’re putting out signage, hosting a promotion, or changing a shop fit-out -unnecessary red tape costs time and money.
Retailers need:
- Streamlined consenting and permitting processes.
- Clear guidance on what’s allowed and what’s not.
- Quick turnaround for simple retail activities.
- Engagement before big policy shifts.
Why it matters:
Every extra form, delay or compliance burden is time not spent on customers. Councils should be enablers of business growth, not obstacles to it.
Vibrant, business-friendly town centres will attract private investment and more residents.
Ask your candidates:
- “How will you cut red tape for local retail businesses?”
- “What will you do to enhance business activity and create more vibrancy?”
Business voice in local planning
Too often, retail isn’t at the table when major decisions are made. When retailers are given opportunities to contribute, we reach decisions that benefit everybody.
Retailers need:
- Genuine consultation in transport, rates, land use and town centre planning.
- Stronger partnerships with business associations and Business Improvement Districts.
- Retail expertise represented on advisory panels.
Why it matters:
High streets are economic engines and at the heart of many New Zealand communities. Councils need retailers’ insight if they want thriving town centres.
Ask your candidates:
- “Will you commit to consulting retailers before major town centre decisions?”
- “Will you work with business associations and chambers of commerce?”
Did you know?
Retail NZ works on behalf of members with councils around New Zealand. In Wellington we have successfully influenced the council to make changes to planned infrastructure projects that would have harmed retail businesses. In Auckland, we are working with the council to improve the safety of the city centre.
Support during disruption
Too often, retail isn’t at the table when major decisions are made. When retailers are given opportunities to contribute, we reach decisions that benefit everybody.
Retailers need:
- Clear communication and mitigation plans during construction projects.
- Temporary signage, wayfinding and access solutions.
- Rates relief or promotion support when business is affected.
Why it matters:
Investment in infrastructure is essential. But if retailers don’t survive the disruption, everyone loses.
Ask your candidates:
- “How will you support retailers to keep operating during council construction projects?”
- “Do you support rates relief or other help for affected retailers?”
Local government consultations
www.govt.nz’s consultation across government page allows both central and local government organisations to post consultations they have open. You can search the listings by topic to find out what’s happening in an area of interest, like resource management or long-term planning.
You can also check your local council’s website.
Planning and reporting
To see what your council’s plans are and how they could affect you and your business, check out your council’s Long-term Plan, Annual Plan and Annual Report. Note that local authorities operate on a 1 July – 30 June financial year. 
Find your local council’s details
Retail NZ local government advocacy
Retail NZ regularly submits on local government consultations, for example regarding Easter trading hours and recently, the planned redevelopment of Wellington’s Golden Mile.
We also regularly meet with local councils around Aotearoa.
