2026 General Election Signage
This page provides information for candidates and parties wishing to display election signage for the 2026 General Election within the Horowhenua District.
Election signage within Horowhenua must comply with the Horowhenua District Council Public Places Bylaw 2024, as well as the requirements of the Electoral Act 1993 and any relevant Electoral Commission and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi requirements.
Further information on national requirements is available from the Electoral Commission.
When can signs go up?
Under Council’s Public Places Bylaw 2024, electoral signage may be displayed up to two months prior to Election Day, which would be Monday, 7 September 2026. However, the Electoral Commission advises that election signs may be displayed from Saturday, 5 September 2026.
To provide consistency and clarity for candidates, Council will align with the Electoral Commission’s date of 5 September 2026.
Further information on key dates is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Where can signs be placed?
Election signs may be displayed on private property with the permission of the property owner, provided they comply with the applicable requirements.
Please note:
- Election signs cannot be located within the road reserve or on unauthorised Council owned property. Locations of council owned sites are located within the Horowhenua District Council Public Places Bylaw 2024.
- Signs should, where practicable, be displayed at right angles to the road.
- Signs must be positioned and secured so they do not create a hazard for pedestrians, motorists or other road users.
- If Council or NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi considers a sign to be a traffic hazard, the sign may be required to be moved or relocated at the expense of the person it relates to.
- Signs located on or adjacent to a State Highway are also subject to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi requirements and approval where applicable.
Sign design
Under Council's Public Places Bylaw:
- electoral signs must not contain reflective material,
- illumination of election signs, or any part of a sign, is not permitted; and
- election signs may be up to 3m² in area.
Promoter statements and authorisation
Election advertisements, including election signs, must contain the required promoter statement, clearly identifying the person responsible for the advertising and their contact details.
Advertising promoting a candidate or political party must also have the appropriate prior written authorisation from the candidate or party.
Candidates and parties are responsible for ensuring their signage and advertising complies with the Electoral Act 1993 and Electoral Commission requirements.
When do signs need to come down?
While Council’s Public Places Bylaw 2024 provides for electoral signs to be removed within two working days following an election, the Electoral Commission requirements for the 2026 General Election require election signs to be removed or covered by midnight on Friday, 6 November 2026, as election advertising cannot be displayed on Election Day, Saturday, 7 November 2026.
We encourage candidates and campaign teams to familiarise themselves with both Council's requirements and the Electoral Commission's guidance before erecting signage.