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.
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:
- Attending local government meetings
- Contributing to a consultation or making a submission on a local government plan or other proposal
- Voting in local elections
- Standing as a local government candidate
- Contacting your mayor or councillors, meeting with your community board representatives, or getting in touch through your local government’s social media accounts.
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.
Last day to stand for election, or enrol to vote is 1 August, closing at noon:
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 |
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.
