Nominations open for Horowhenua District election candidates
Published on July 07, 2025
Are you passionate about your community? Eager to help shape the district’s future? Then it might be time to stand for Council.
Horowhenua District Council is calling for people to stand in this year’s Local Government Election where a Mayor, councillors, and community board members will be elected for the next three years.
Candidate nominations for this year’s local body elections are now open and close at midday on Friday 1 August 2025. To be a candidate for an elected member position, you must be a New Zealand citizen, over 18 years old, and enrolled on the electoral roll.
Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says she encourages people to throw their hats in the ring, but notes it is not a decision that should be taken lightly.
“Being an elected member is a serious job which carries a great deal of responsibility,” she says.
“You’ll need to be a great advocate with expert relationship building skills as you carry the community’s expectations into every decision. You will be responsible for ensuring all voices in our community are heard as you make decisions that balance financial prudence with the community’s wants and needs – striking the balance is easier said than done.”
Local government is ever-changing and with central government reforms including changes to waters services, the Resource Management Act, and potential structural changes of local government to navigate, as well as transformational local projects such as the Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway, this next Council term will be one of the most significant in the Horowhenua District’s recent history, she says.
“While there will be challenges, there will also be great opportunities, and it is the role of Council’s elected members to see the bigger picture, set the direction, and together with the organisation deliver on a collective vision and strategy.
“We need a diverse range of elected members who together represent all sectors of our community. Voters want to see someone who represents their views and values among those they can vote for.”
To learn more about standing in this year’s election and download a nomination form, go to www.horowhenua.govt.nz/stand where you can also read the 2025 Pre-election Report.
Stand for something. Stand for Council.