Fears of Low Candidate Numbers for 2025 Local Elections as Nominations Approach Deadline

As the deadline for local election nominations in New Zealand draws closer, concerns are mounting over a lack of candidates vying for positions in regional and unitary councils. With just a few days remaining for people to put their names forward, several councils across the country are finding themselves short of candidates for key electorates, potentially leading to uncontested vacancies or the need for by-elections.

Regional and Unitary Councils at Risk
According to the latest data, as of Wednesday afternoon, 47 regional council seats across the country's 16 regional and unitary councils either lack sufficient candidates or will require by-elections due to the lack of competition. This includes notable cases such as the Horizons Tonga Māori Regional Constituency and the Tasman District Council's Te Tai o Aorere Māori Ward, where no candidates have been nominated at all.

Call for More Participation
Doug Leeder, the current chair of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and New Zealand's longest-serving regional council chair, has urged those considering standing for office to take the plunge. He emphasized that local council members play a critical role in shaping the future of their regions, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, water quality, and public transport.
"If you want a say in how your region prepares for climate change, manages rivers and lakes, or invests in public transport, this is your opportunity to step up," Leeder said.

Low Participation in District Councils
The issue is not limited to regional councils. A number of district councils also face a shortage of candidates. Electionz.com, a company that tracks local election candidates, reported that several councils have received far fewer nominations than needed. For example, the Rotorua Lakes Council has received no nominations for its mayoralty vacancy, while other councils such as Central Hawke's Bay and Chatham Islands have only received a single nomination.

Historical Precedent and Encouragement to Participate
This is not the first time local elections have faced challenges with candidate numbers. In 2022, similar concerns were raised by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), which noted low nomination numbers in various regions. While current numbers are on par with those from the previous year, LGNZ encourages potential candidates not to wait until the last minute to submit their nominations, as this can lead to delays and complications.
Nominations for the 2025 local elections close at noon on Friday, 1 August, and officials are urging people to step forward and take part in shaping the future of their communities.

In a time when local governance plays a crucial role in addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges, the need for active community involvement has never been more important. The voices of everyday citizens are essential to ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the people they serve.