Information for Candidates
Nominations open on Friday 4 July 2025 and close at 12:00pm (midday) on Friday 1 August 2025.
You’ll find all the essential information in our Candidate Information Handbook, available below. It covers everything you need to know about standing in the 2025 local elections, including what positions are available.
Candidate Information Handbook for the Tararua District
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has also produced a helpful guide for candidates.
The Pre-election Report 2025 is vital reading for both candidates and voters. It lays out the main priorities, tough spots and chances for growth across Tararua so potential candidates know exactly what they're stepping in to. Download a copy from here or pick up a copy from one of our Council Service Centres:
Nomination forms are available below or you can pick one up from one of the Council service centres in the Tararua District.
To be eligible for nomination, you must be:
- A New Zealand citizen
- Aged 18 years or older
- Enrolled as a Parliamentary elector
- Nominated by two people whose names appear on the electoral roll of the area that you are standing in. For example, if standing for election as a South Tararua Ward Councillor, your two nominators must be enrolled with their enrolment address being within the South Tararua Ward.
You will need to pay $200 deposit per nomination.
You can be nominated for more than one position, for example both Mayor and Councillor, but if successfully elected to the Mayoral position must relinquish the Councillor position.
Similarly, if nominated for both Council and Community Board, if successfully elected as a Councillor, must relinquish the Community Board position
These guidelines are intended to provide prospective candidates with information leading up to the election for placement of signs and hoardings.
Electoral Signage Guidelines (PDF file, 13.9 MB)
The Candidate Information Handbook published above contains more detailed advice and guidance for candidates on all aspects of the election (including signage).
Learn more at a Candidate Information Session
There will be two Candidate Information Sessions held in the Tararua District for prospective candidates (that's anyone thinking about running).
Saturday 28 June 2025 - Dannevirke
7:00pm, Dannevirke Council Chambers. Upstairs at 156 High Street, Dannevirke.
This session was live streamed to Council's Facebook page
Monday 21 July 2025 - Pahiatua
3:00pm, Pahiatua Council Chambers, 136 Main Street, Pahiatua - this session is an in-person event - no live streaming available
Live Stream of the Candidate Information Session
This session was held in Dannevirke on Saturday 28 June at 7:00pm.
The slides from the presentation can be downloaded here. (PDF file, 3.7 MB)
If you have questions, please contact the Electoral Officer:
Warwick Lampp
Electoral Officer – Tararua District Council
PO Box 3138 Christchurch 8140
elections@tararuadc.govt.nz
0800 666 048
www.tararuadc.govt.nz