Voting in the 2025 Local Body Election is now open

Published on September 09, 2025

Don’t just dream. Vote to be heard.

Voting in the 2025 Local Body Elections is open from now to midday on Saturday 11 October and it is time to exercise your democratic right and have your say for both the Council and Te Awahou Foxton Community Board.

Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says the next council term will be one of the most significant in the district’s recent history, so it is more important than ever that residents feel represented at the decision-making table.

“These elected members will make decisions that affect many areas of your life, from roads and water services to libraries and events. So, it is important you are informed and vote for the people who you think will best represent your interests,” she says.

“Make sure you focus on the facts, not the noise, and form your own view based on what matters most to you.”

This year’s election also includes a binding referendum on Māori Wards. The result of the poll will be declared at the same time as the 2025 Horowhenua District Council election, and the outcome will become effective from the 2028 election.

Horowhenua District Council operates its elections under the first past the post (FPP) electoral system. Electors vote by indicating their preferred candidate(s), and the candidate(s) that receives the most votes is declared the winner regardless of the proportion of votes that candidate(s) obtained.

“It does not pay to sit idly by and let others shape the future for you. Don’t just dream, vote to be heard,” Mrs Davidson says.

Information on the election, including biographies and videos of the candidates, can be found at www.horowhenua.govt.nz/elections

Please note, the announcement last month that in next year’s Central Government Election Foxton, Levin and Manakau will be part of the Rangitīkei electorate rather than the Ōtaki electorate does not have any effect on Local Elections.

All you need to know about voting in the 2025 Local Body Elections:

(For more, go to www.horowhenua.govt.nz/vote)

Voting in the 2025 Local Body Elections

Voting is now open and closes at midday on Saturday 11 October.

Receiving your voting papers

If you are enrolled and your address is correct; you will receive your voting papers in the mail between 9 September and 22 September.

If you haven’t received them after this date, you can apply for a special vote.

Important: If you are on the unpublished roll, you will not receive voting papers in the post. You must complete a special vote to have your say.

Delivering your votes

Once you’ve filled out your voting papers, you can return them:

• By post (make sure you allow time for delivery before voting closes at midday on 11 October)
• Or by hand-delivering them to one of the official ballot boxes or street receivers (post boxes) in the Horowhenua District.

Who can apply for a special vote?

You can apply for a special vote if:

• You’re enrolled but haven’t received your voting papers in the mail (e.g. changed address)
• You’re a ratepayer elector (enrolled elsewhere but own property in Horowhenua)
• You’re heading away and can’t wait for your voting pack to arrive
• You’re on the unpublished roll
• You’ve just turned 18 (or are about to) or recently enrolled (residential or ratepayer)
• You’ve lost or damaged your ordinary voting pack

Where & when you can special vote:

Levin – Horowhenua District Council

• From Tuesday 9 September to midday on Saturday 11 October
• Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm (Wednesdays from 9.30am)
• Extra dates:
• Saturday 4 October, 10am to 3pm
• Saturday 11 October, 9am to 12pm

Foxton – Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom

• Tuesday 16 September, 9am to 12pm
• Thursday 25 September, 1pm to 4pm
• Tuesday 30 September, 9am to 12pm
• Thursday 2 October, 1pm to 4pm
• Tuesday 7 October, 9am to 12pm

Shannon Library

• Thursday 18 September, 3pm to 4.30pm
• Wednesday 1 October, 3pm to 4.30pm