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.
- Candidate Nomination Form - Mayor (PDF file, 149.5 KB)
- Candidate Nomination Form - Councillor (PDF file, 157.4 KB)
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 12pm cutoff on 1 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 (PDF file, 8.2 MB) 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:
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.
The Major Events Security Committee have also published guidance for election candidates around personal and digital security: Security advice for 2025 Local Government Election Candidates.
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)
Nominations close at 12pm midday, and further nominations cannot legally be accepted after this time.
Special votes can be completed by voters who are not enrolled before this date.
To be completed by 22 September 2025.
Including special votes for those not enrolled.
Voting closes at 12pm midday, and votes cannot legally be accepted after this time, except for individuals already inside at a voting station.
* 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