Voting is now open for the 2025 local government elections. Enrolled voters will be receiving their voting packs from now until 22 September.

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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.

Voting closes at midday on Saturday, 11 October 2025.
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Voting and special votes

If you are enrolled, your voting papers should arrive in your letterbox between 9 and 22 September. 

Your voting pack will be for voting in both the regional council and your city or district council elections. Waikato Regional Council uses the first past the post (FPTP) voting system where you tick candidate names. Hamilton Kirikiriroa is the only territorial authority in the Waikato region to use the single transferable vote (STV) system, which ranks candidates in your order of preference. So, if you live in Hamilton, your voting papers will include FPTP for the regional local elections and STV for the city’s local elections.

Voting can be done freepost by mail before 7 October, or into a secure ballot box before midday 11 October. All city and district councils have secure ballot boxes into which you can return your voting papers.

If you have not received your papers in this time, you may need to cast a special vote and will need to contact the electoral officer of your district or city council. You may also need to cast a special vote if you: 

  • enrolled or updated your address after 1 August 2025 
  • have lost or damaged your voting pack
  • will be travelling during the voting period
  • are eligible to vote but your name does not appear on the final electoral roll.

Find your nearest mailbox or ballot box

Check your district or city council's website for your nearest ballot box (and information about casting a special vote):

NZ Post has a helpful tool for finding your nearest mail box: 

Local election events

Meet the candidate events are being organised by local community groups around the region. The events are an opportunity for voters to meet in person the regional and district or city candidates standing for election in their area and find out what they stand for. Click below to view all events.

Which constituency do I live in? Check out our constituency and boundary maps.

Find your constituency

Find out who is standing in your constituency for Waikato Regional Council and vote for who best represents you and your community.

View candidate profiles

Are you enrolled to vote? You can enrol to vote or check/update your enrolment online.

Go to Vote NZ

Local elections are in October

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

Inform your vote