Stand
Being a Horowhenua District Council elected member is an opportunity for you to be part of governing our district.
Candidate nominations open on 4 July and close at 12 noon on 1 August 2025.
Confirmed Candidates
Nominations received will be available from electionz.com after nominations open on Friday 4 July 2025.
Nomination Forms
The following nomination forms are available:
Puka Tono | Nomination Form - Koromatua | Mayor(PDF, 147KB)
Puka Tono | Nomination Form - Kaikaunihera | Councillor(PDF, 147KB)
Puka Tono | Nomination Form - Ngā Poari Ā-Hapori | Community Board(PDF, 148KB)
Completed nomination forms can be:
We encourage candidates to deliver their completed nomination forms in person so that an Electoral Official can ensure the form has been completed correctly.
Evidence of NZ citizenship is required at the time of candidate nomination. Acceptable evidence includes a copy of:
- a NZ passport;
- a NZ birth certificate; or
- NZ citizenship documentation.
Each nomination must be accompanied by the required deposit of $200.00 (inclusive of GST) or proof of an electronic deposit.
Please contact the Deputy Electoral Officer Ashley Huria on 06 366 0999 if the above delivery options are not practical for you.
Nominations of candidates must be in the hands of the Electoral Officer, Horowhenua District Council, before 12 noon on Friday 1 August 2025.
Candidate Handbook & Pre-Election Report
You can read up on the election process in the new Candidate Handbook, which provides loads of information for anyone thinking of standing.
Pōtitanga Kawanatanga ā Rohe - Pukapuka Aratohu Kaitonopōti | 2025 Local Government Elections - Candidate Handbook(PDF, 15MB)
You can also read the Pre-Election Report.
Pre Election Report(PDF, 4MB)
Candidate Briefing Presentation
If you weren't able to attend the candidate briefing on 25 June 2025, the full presentation is available below for you to review. It contains key information to support you through the nomination and election process.
Candidate Briefing Presentation - 25 June 2025(PDF, 5MB)
Who can be a candidate
To be a candidate for an elected member position, you must be:
- a New Zealand citizen
- over 18 years old
- enrolled on the electoral roll.
Enrol to vote now
You don't need any special qualifications. Elected members come from all backgrounds and walks of life.
To be effective you'll need to bring a broad range of skills to the role:
- Decision making and strategic thinking
- Communication and community engagement
- Relationship building and collaboration.
View our Skills and qualities you need to become an elected member page for further information.
What candidates need to do
You should:
- find out what's important to your local community
- learn about Horowhenua local government structure and the role of councillors, and community board members.
You can find a meeting of Council to watch online on our Live Council Meetings page.
Getting votes
Lack of knowledge about the candidates and their views is consistently reported as one of the main reasons people don't vote in local elections.
To run a successful campaign, you need to let local residents know the key issues you stand for within the community.
Regulations for campaigning
There are regulations around campaigning, including:
- how much you can spend
- how and when you can display signage.
For full details, see The Local Electoral Act 2001 on the New Zealand Legislation website.
Interested in standing?
If you have any interest in standing for Council please contact Deputy Electoral Officer Ashley Huria for more information.
Contact details
Electoral Officer: Warwick Lamp
Phone: 0800 666 048
Fax: 03 377 1474
Email: info@electionz.com
Deputy Electoral Officer: Ashley Huria
Phone: 06 366 0999
Email: election@horowhenua.govt.nz
Find out more
More information for candidates can be viewed on the Vote Local, Vote 25 website.