Local democracy is a fundamental principle of governance in New Zealand. It provides communities with the power to make decisions that affect their daily lives. The local government election process is a key component of local democracy, providing communities with the opportunity to elect leaders who will represent their interests and values.
Enrolling to Vote:
To participate in the local government election, you must be enrolled to vote. Enrolment is a simple process that can be completed online, by post or in person. To be eligible to vote, you must be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident, and be 18 years or older. You can enroll to vote at any time, but to vote in the next local government election, you must be enrolled before the deadline.
Putting Your Name Forward as a Candidate:
If you are passionate about your community and want to make a difference, you can consider putting your name forward as a candidate in the local government election. Candidates are elected to represent their communities and make decisions that will benefit the people they serve. To become a candidate, you must be nominated by two eligible voters in your ward or constituency, and meet the eligibility criteria.