Candidate Information

Leaders come from every walk of life

Standing for Council is a significant decision, but if you're passionate about making a difference, it's a powerful way to represent and serve your community.

  • Nominations Open: Friday, 4 July
  • Nominations Close: Friday, 1 August at midday (12 pm)

To submit a nomination, please complete the relevant form below and bring it (alongside your supporting documents) into Council's Customer Services desk - currently at the Makino Aquatic Service Centre (10 Council Place, Feilding). Alternatively, you can scan and email all documents to ash.garstang@mdc.govt.nz.

Please do not leave your nomination until the last day - there are several aspects of a candidate nomination that may require follow-up and the 12 pm cut off on 01 August is strictly legislated. Last-minute nominations will be at risk of missing the deadline if the application is incomplete or requires amendment.

There are plenty of resources available to support you every step of the way. Refer to the information below.

A Candidate Handbook is available below, which provides specific information about the Manawatū District election. Local Government New Zealand has also published a guide for the 2025 elections:

The Pre-Election Report 2025 provides an independent, non-political summary of the key issues, projects, finances, and opportunities facing the district ahead of the elections. It outlines the structure of Council, major challenges such as affordability and legislative change, and highlights significant projects like infrastructure upgrades, stormwater improvements, and wastewater planning. The report also explains the role of elected members and the process for standing as a candidate.

The Electoral Officer provided a briefing to prospective candidates on 17 June 2025. Council staff also provided advice at this session to individuals considering running for Council. Links to both presentations below:

Electoral Officer Briefing Presentation - 17 June 2025

MDC Advice to Prospective Candidates - 17 June 2025

Local Government New Zealand (the representative body for Mayors and Councillors) have released several resources for prospective candidates, including and outline of the role as an Elected Member and what life as an Elected Member might be like.

You can find these and other guides here: Course: Pre-election learning package | LGNZ

Being an elected member is incredibly rewarding but it does come with challenges. That includes being aware of potentially unsafe situations - both online and in person - and how to keep yourself safe. Use LGNZ’s ‘How to Stay Safe’ guide to learn more: Download (PDF file, 174.5 KB)

Signage guidelines help candidates understand what can and can not be posted and advertised during the election. You can view the guidelines here: Download (PDF file, 193.9 KB)

3 July 2025 - Public notice of election

4 July 2025 - Candidate nominations OPEN

11 July 2025 - Switching between electoral rolls suspended

1 August 2025 - Candidate nominations CLOSE

Nominations close at 12pm midday, and further nominations cannot legally be accepted after this time.


1 August 2025 - Electoral roll closes

Special votes can be completed by voters who are not enrolled before this date.


6 August 2025 - Candidate names published *

9 September 2025 - Delivery of voting documents begins

To be completed by 22 September 2025.


9 September 2025 - Voting period OPEN

Including special votes for those not enrolled.


11 October 2025 - Voting period CLOSES

11 October 2025 - Election Day

Voting closes at 12pm midday, and votes cannot legally be accepted after this time, except for individuals already inside at a voting station.


11 October 2025 - Progress results published * (as soon as practical)

16 October 2025 - Official results published *

* Published means that the information will be available on our website, and hardcopies available at both our main Council office and Community Hub libraries. Important information will be publicised via our social media platforms, the Antenno app, and local newspapers.

Each Council has a Deputy Electoral Officer that can be contacted. If you would like to speak to Manawatū District Council directly, please contact,

Ash Garstang (Deputy Electoral Officer)
Email: ash.garstang@mdc.govt.nz
Phone: (06) 323 0000