Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the next Local Government election?

A: Election Day is Saturday 11 October 2025 and voting closes at midday on that day. The voting period starts on Tuesday 9 September 2025.

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Q: When do nominations open?

A: Nominations open on Friday 4 July 2025 and close at 12 noon on Friday 1 August 2025.

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Q: When is the campaign period?

A: Election campaigning can start at any time and continue up to and including election day.

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Q: When can people vote?

A: The elections are by postal vote. Voting documents will be delivered from Tuesday 9 September 2025 to Monday 22 September 2025. Voters can return their vote anytime from when they receive their voting documents. Votes must be received by the Electoral Officer by the close of voting on midday Saturday 11 October 2025.

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Q: When will we know the results of the election?

A: Progress and preliminary results will be announced as soon as possible after 12 noon on Saturday 11 October 2025. The official results will be announced when the final count is complete, and special votes have been checked which will be between Thursday 16 October 2025 – Sunday 19 October 2025.

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Q: When do elected members take up their roles?

A: Elected members take up office the day after the official result has been declared by public notice. However, they cannot act until they have sworn the oath of office which is usually at the first meeting of council. This first meeting is usually held as soon as practicable after the final election results are known.

Q: What positions can you vote for?

A: There will be five questions at this election:

1. Mayor
2. Councillors. The available options will depend on your location (Feilding or Rural) and/or electoral roll (General or Māori)
3. Poll on whether the Manawatū District Council should retain a Māori ward councillor for the 2028 and 2031 elections
4. Councillors for the Horizons Regional Council. The available options will depend on your electoral roll (General or Māori)
5. Poll on whether the Horizons Regional Council should retain a Māori ward constituent for the 2028 and 2031 elections

Voting documents sent to residents within the Manawatū District will include voting options for the Horizons Regional Council, however they have their own Electoral Officer and FAQ’s. Refer to the below for more specific information about this election: FAQs - Horizons Regional Council

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Q: What type of voting method do you use?

A: Both the Manawatū District Council and Horizons Regional Council use First Past the Post (FPP). More information on this can be found here: Electoral System | Manawatū District Council

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Q: What is the role of a councillor?

A: Councillors:

• Participate in strategic and long-term planning for the whole district/region
• Participate in setting a budget and rates
• Develop policy across a wide range of activities and services
• Represent the district/region at functions as required
• Review and develop bylaws for the district/region
• Advocate on a wide range of issues
• Coordinate and form partnerships with other spheres of government and other agencies
• Participate in the appointment and performance review of the Chief Executive Officer
• Act on all these matters within a legislative and regulatory framework
• Monitor the performance of council-controlled organisations and council organisations

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Q: What is the difference between Māori and general wards/constituencies?

A: Some councils have established Māori wards or constituencies. For those councils, members of Māori wards / constituencies are elected by those enrolled to vote on the respective Māori electoral roll; similarly members of general wards / constituencies are elected by those enrolled to vote on the respective general electoral roll.

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Q: What does 'ward' mean?

A: Wards are parts of a council area that have been determined by population and communities of interest. There are general wards (i.e., Feilding and Rural wards) or Māori wards. If in a regional council, the term ‘constituency’ is used rather than ‘ward’.

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Q: What is FPP?

A: This is the First Past the Post voting system. The candidate or candidates that get the most votes win(s). You should mark those you want to vote for with a tick in the circle. Do not vote for more than the number of candidates shown in the instructions.

Q: How do I enrol?

A: Provided that you live within the Manawatū District boundaries you can enrol to vote in the local election.

You need to complete an enrolment form:

• enrol online at https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online/
• ring 0800 36 76 56 to arrange for a form to be sent to you in the mail
• send your name and address to Free text 3676 for a form to sent to you in the mail
• download a form at https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/other-ways-to-enrol/

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Q: We own a business in your area and pay rates, but we don’t live in your area – do we get a say in the local elections?

A: Yes, subject to being eligible to become enrolled as a ratepayer elector and becoming enrolled. The easiest way to do this is to apply here: Ratepayers Portal. If this isn’t received and processed by 01 August 2025, you will need to complete a special vote.

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Q: I am a student and spend my time in different places. Where should I enrol?

A: You should enrol where you spend the greater part of your time.

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Q: I am a New Zealand Māori, do I need to enrol on the Māori roll?

A: Not necessarily. If you are enrolling for the first time you can decide whether you want to go on the Māori Electoral Roll or the General Electoral Roll by signing the appropriate panel on the Parliamentary Elector Enrolment form.

You can change rolls except in the 3 months before the local elections or general elections.

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Q: How do I know whether I am enrolled?

A: You can check your enrolment status on www.vote.nz. The Electoral Commission will be undertaking a roll update campaign in early June 2025 for the Parliamentary Electoral Roll which forms the basis of our roll for the local authority election.

If you do not receive a letter in the post during early June 2025, the chances are you are not enrolled or your details are incorrect.

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Q: I turn 18 on Election Day. Can I vote?

A: Yes, but you need to make sure you have enrolled which you can do provisionally from the age of 17 and it automatically changes when you turn 18. You will also need to apply for a special vote. You should contact the Council to arrange this.

Q: What qualifications and experience do I need to be a candidate

A: You must be a New Zealand citizen and be a parliamentary elector anywhere in New Zealand.

Other requirements are that:

• You are nominated by two electors in the area you are standing for.
• You or your spouse/partner must not have concerns or interests in contracts over $25,000 with the Council.
• If you are subject to a Court Order under section 31 of the Protection of Personal Property Rights Act 1988, you should take legal advice.
• If you are an employee of the Council, you must resign before taking up your position as an elected member. The rules of some councils may require you to take leave for campaigning prior to the election.

You do not need to reside in the area (district, ward, or constituency) that you are standing for.

You do not need any formal qualifications. Elected members come from all walks of life and generally have a desire to serve their community.

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Q: Does a criminal record affect a person standing as a council candidate?

A: No, not at all for district and regional council elections.

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Q: Is the role I want to stand for full-time or part-time?

A: This varies between councils and between roles within a council. Ask your local Electoral Officer about whether the role you want to stand for is full-time or part-time.

Generally, the Mayor is considered a full-time role and Councillor a part-time role.

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Q: How much will I get paid?

A: Pay and allowances are determined by the Government’s Remuneration Authority. The pay rates vary according to population size and other factors. More information about how the Remuneration Authority determines pay can be found here.

For reference, the pay for the mayor position is currently $136,955, and councillors are between $54,822 - $39,158, depending on additional responsibilities.

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Q: Do I need to be a resident in the district that I am standing for?

A: No, but you must be on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll (anywhere in New Zealand) and provide proof that you are a New Zealand citizen.

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Q: I am a serving police officer. Can I stand for council and continue to work as a police officer?

A: Yes. There are no longer any restrictions on police officers standing for local authority elections, apart from the normal eligibility criteria.

Q: Which local government positions am I able to run for?

A: If you choose to stand for more than one position there are some restrictions and rules:

• You cannot stand for both the district council and the regional council.
• You cannot stand as councillor for more than one ward (e.g., Feilding ward and Māori ward).

But

• You can stand for both mayor and councillor of the Manawatū District Council. If successful for both, you must assume the higher position (Mayor) and the Councillor position will roll over to the next highest polling candidate.

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Q: When I stand for election, can I be affiliated with an organisation or group?

A: Yes, if you belong to a political party or other group, you may want to identify with them. However, you don’t have to have any affiliations. If this is your situation, you can identify as, ‘independent’ or leave the space blank when you fill out your nomination form.

If you do have a specific affiliation, the electoral officer may require a letter of consent from the party, organisation or group giving its consent for you to use the affiliation.

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Q: Iwi and hapū endorsement?

A: If candidates wish to list whānau, hapū or iwi details as an affiliation, an endorsement or confirmation letter from a Marae, Whānau Trust, Iwi Authority, or other Māori organisation would be required. It is acknowledged whakapapa is a birth right and situations may occur where candidates may not feel they need to provide proof, in which case whakapapa can be highlighted in the context of the candidate profile statement and other forums and activities.

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Q: How many people do I need to nominate me?

A: You need two people to nominate you.

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Q: Who is able to nominate me?

A: A nominator must be on the electoral roll for the area (district or constituency ward) for which you are standing. E.g., if you are standing for election to a specific ward, you must be nominated by two electors from that ward who are on the electoral roll for that ward. You are not able to nominate yourself.

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Q: Where do I get a nomination form from?

A: Contact your council’s electoral officer for a nomination form.

You will be able to obtain your nomination form from 1 July 2025 and must submit this by Friday 1 August 2025 at midday. Nominations must be lodged with the electoral officer or an electoral official at the council you are standing for.

Do not leave lodgement until the last day because if there any problems with the details provided, there might be insufficient time to resolve them and you could miss out.

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Q: Do I need to be on the Māori electoral roll or of Māori descent if I am standing for election in a Māori Ward or Constituency?

A: No. To be eligible you must be a New Zealand citizen and your name must be on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll (anywhere in New Zealand).

You will need to be nominated by two electors whose names appear on the Māori electoral roll within the area of election for which you are standing.

Equally if you are on the Māori electoral roll you can stand in a general ward, and will need to be nominated by two electors whose names appear on the general electoral roll within the area of election for which you are standing.

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Q: How much will it cost me to stand?

A: You will need to pay a nomination deposit of $200 GST inclusive. This deposit applies to each issue (election) you stand for.

The funds must be deposited with the Electoral Officer at the same time your nomination is submitted. It is recommended you pay the nomination deposit by online/internet banking (or EFTPOS or cash) noting that cheques are no longer accepted.

If you poll greater than 25% of the lowest polling successful candidate you will receive your nomination deposit back.

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Q: Can I withdraw my nomination as a candidate?

A: Only if it is withdrawn before the close of nominations (01 August, midday). You cannot withdraw voluntarily after nominations have closed. If you decide to opt out, your name will still appear on the voting document. If you do change your mind and decide not to run for election after you have been nominated, let your electoral officer know who will talk through the issues with you.

However, if you become incapacitated with serious illness or injury and unlikely to be able to perform the functions and duties if elected to office, you can apply to withdraw on those grounds. You will need verification from a doctor and lawyer about your situation. See your local electoral officer if you need more information about this process.

Q: What is a candidate profile statement?

A: You may provide a candidate profile statement when you lodge your nomination. This is a statement of up to 150 words containing information about yourself and your policies and intentions if elected to office. The profile statement will be included in the voting packs that all electors receive.

If your candidate statement is submitted in Māori and English, the information contained in each language must be substantially consistent with the information contained in the other language. Therefore, in the case where a candidate includes a mihi or greeting as part of a candidate profile statement provided in Māori, the mihi or greeting should be explained in the English version in a manner substantially consistent with the Māori version. Each language has to be within a 150-word limit.

Your profile statement must be true and accurate. The Electoral Officer is not required to verify or investigate any information included in your statement.

Your profile can include a recent passport size colour photograph.

In addition, your candidate profile statement must state whether or not your principal place of residence is in the area you are seeking election, e.g., ‘My principal place of residence is in the Pukehīnau/Lambton Ward’, or ‘My principal place of residence is not in the Pukehīnau/Lambton Ward’. This is not part of the 150-word limit.

See section 61 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 for more information.

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Q: Can I raise campaign funds from donations to offset electoral expenses?

A: Yes, you can raise funds from donations to help offset your campaign expenses. There is very specific legislation about donations and expenses which you need to abide by. This information will be included in the Candidate Handbook (published by 30 May 2025). Please contact the Electoral Officer for more information if needed.

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Q: How much can I spend on my campaign?

A: The amount you can spend depends on the position or ward you run for. If you stand for more than one position, the amount you can spend is the highest amount for one position. You cannot add positions together to allow you to spend more than the limit:

Mayor: $20,000

Feilding Ward: $14,000

Rural Ward: $14,000

Ngā Tapuae o Matangi (Māori Ward): $3,500

All candidates are required to lodge an electoral donations and expenses return within 55 days after the day on which the successful candidates are declared to be elected (public notice of final results). If a candidate is outside NZ on this day, the return must be filed within 76 days after election result day. If this is not done, the non-return will be advised to the NZ Police. This return needs to be made before a candidate nomination deposit is refunded (if applicable).

Q: Can people already elected to council use council resources to campaign?

A: No, elected members cannot use council resources for their campaigns.

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Q: Are there any rules about using social media?

A: Yes. Councils have policies or guidelines for web and social media use related to campaigning. They will not permit council social media pages to be used by anyone (candidates or members of the public) for electioneering or campaigning.

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Q: What does 'authorisation of advertising' mean?

A: Election advertising, using any media, must identify either you or your agent. The publication of any advertisements (in any newspaper, periodical, notice, poster, pamphlet, handbill, billboard or card, or broadcast over radio or television) for candidates requires the written authorisation of you or your agent.

The advertisement must contain a statement setting out you or your agent’s true name, or at whose direction, it is published and a contact address (e.g., email, PO box). This applies during your entire campaign.

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Q: Where and when can I put election signs?

A: Election signs are permitted on private property (with the owner’s consent) at any time. The sign must be erected in a stable fashion, not be a hazard to the public or to traffic safety and must comply with the (local authority district plan/bylaw).

Signs cannot be installed within the road corridor (neither local roads or state highways).

In the Manawatū District, election signs can be erected from 11 August – 10 October 2025 (they must be removed by midnight). Signage Guidelines are available on our website: Elections | Manawatū District Council

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Q: I have a complaint about electoral signage?

A: Contact the Electoral Officer - Warwick Lampp (0800 398 683).

Q: Is it a postal vote and will I be sent my voting documents in the mail?

A: All local authority elections will be conducted by postal vote. Voting documents will be delivered in the mail between 9 September 2025 and Monday 22 September 2025.

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Q: What is that barcode that I can see through the return envelope or on the front of the voting document?

A: It is a legal requirement to scan the barcode number to mark the electoral roll that you have voted so we can ensure that we do not receive two votes from the same person.

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Q: How do you ensure the secrecy of my vote?

A: Envelopes containing a voting document cannot be opened until there is a JP present. The JP is required to sign off that the processes used by the Electoral Officer met the legal requirements.

The voter’s name is not on the voting document.

When the envelope is opened the only thing the Electoral Officer is looking for is that the vote for each election is valid. This means that they are making sure that the voter’s intention is clear, and they have not ticked or marked more than the number of candidates than there are vacancies.

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Q: Do I have to vote? I don't know any of the candidates.

A: No you don’t have to vote. You also don’t have to vote for all candidates or for all elections (e.g., you can respond to one or two questions and ignore the others). But your vote is important because the people elected will be responsible for making decisions about what happens in your community for the next three years.

To help you get to know about the candidates:

• There will be candidate meetings being held if you wish to go and hear what policies the different candidates are advocating for.
• There will be candidate videos published on the Manawatū District Council’s website in August 2025.
• There is a candidate profile booklet that comes out with the voting documents in which there is a photo and a statement from candidates. This information will also be available on the Council website.
• Candidates may have their own website page, social media page(s), advertise in local newspapers or send out information to letterboxes in your area.
• Local newspaper(s) are likely to cover information about the election.

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Q: Do I have to post my voting document back?

A: You can post it but make sure you have them in the mail by Tuesday 7 October 2025 to make sure it gets back to us in time (by 12 noon Saturday 11 October 2025).

However, you can also deliver to one of our orange voting boxes which will be located around the District and at the Council’s offices. Please note that many of these boxes will be unavailable on 11 October 2025 (voting day), except for the ones at Council premises (135 Manchester Street and 46 Stafford Street, Feilding).

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Q: Do I have to vote for all the candidates for any issue? If I don’t vote for all the candidates or all the issues on my voting document, will all my votes be informal?

A: Under FPP you can vote for as many candidates as you want but not more than the number of positions available on the voting document. So, if you are electing five councillors then you can vote for up to five candidates. Remember, for FPP you tick the candidates you want to elect.

You can decide not to vote for one or more of the different elections on your voting document. This does not invalidate all your other votes.

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Q: Why can’t I vote for a certain candidate who is standing for a different ward, community board or other issue?

A: You can only vote for the elections relevant to the area in which you live. You cannot vote for a candidate for the same city, district or region who is standing in another ward or constituency because you are not an elector of that ward or constituency.

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Q: My husband’s voting document and mine are different. He has more/less things to vote for. His list of candidates is different to mine.

A: The Council uses “random ordering” of candidate names, so the order will be different on each person’s voting papers. People on different electoral rolls, and/or living in different locations (Feilding vs Rural) will have a different set of councillor candidates.

Q: I got my voting documents, but my partner didn't receive theirs.

A: The voting documents are sent out incrementally and should arrive before Monday 22 September 2025. If they have not arrived, please contact the Council.

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Q: I didn’t get my voting documents, so I called and got a special vote. Now I have two documents. Which one should I use?

A: Use the original and destroy the special vote. The reason for this is that processing an original voting document is much simpler than processing a special vote (a special vote takes a lot more time and more importantly the elector may not have completed the declaration correctly which would make the special vote invalid), hence our advice/preference that the ordinary vote be returned.

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Q: I received voting documents for (children, parent) and have Power of Attorney for them can I vote for them?

A: No – Power of Attorney does not apply to voting on behalf of that person.

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Q: I received voting documents for (children, parent) and have Power of Attorney for them. What should I do with the documents?

A: If they are overseas, you could airmail them to the person or destroy them if that is not practicable. If they are for an elderly parent who is unable to vote, please destroy them by ripping/cutting them up.

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Q: I received voting documents that do not belong to me and I don’t know these people or where they have gone.

A: Write GNA (Gone No Address) on the envelope and put them back in the mail.

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Q: I have lost my return envelope.

A: You can use an envelope of your own and as long as you put the correct address and Freepost number on it. Contact the Deputy Electoral Officer to ensure you have the right address and Freepost number.

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Q: I have received two voting documents?

A: Contact the Deputy Electoral Officer.

Q: I am on the Unpublished Parliamentary roll and I want a special vote please.

A: Contact the Electoral Officer or Deputy Electoral Officer.

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Q: I didn't receive my voting pack, how do I obtain a special vote?

A: Check if you are enrolled at the right address (Enrol or update online | Vote NZ). If yes, please contact the Council. If no, you will need to enrol online (www.vote.nz) and come into Council to complete a special vote.

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Q: I spoiled my voting documents / I have made a mistake on my documents. What can I do?

A: If you can amend it so that your voting intention is clear, then do so and initial the changes. If necessary, we can issue you with a special voting document, but this will require you to complete a declaration.

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Q: Where can I cast a special vote?

A: Either at the main Council building (135 Manchester Street) – see Ash Garstang; or Community Hub (46 Stafford Street) – see Janine Hawthorn.

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Q: I am going away and will not be here when the voting documents are posted out.

A: Contact the Council.

Q: I am on the Māori electoral roll, does this affect who I can vote for?

A: Yes, but only if your council has established Māori wards or constituencies. In that case, this affects who you get to choose from to represent you. Choosing between the Māori electoral roll and general electoral roll is a personal choice and you’ll need to decide which roll best represents your views and interests.

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Q: Will my Council be running a poll asking the community whether they want Māori wards or constituencies at the 2025 elections?

A: Yes, both the Manawatū District Council and Horizons Regional Council will be running polls on this. More information is on the VoteLocal website here https://www.votelocal.co.nz/maori-wards-and-constituencies/

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Q: When will my Council action the poll result to either keep Māori wards/constituencies or remove them?

A: The majority vote of the poll will decide the future of Māori wards/constituencies for your council.

Although the decision will be made in 2025 from the poll result, it will be three years before it is actioned. If the poll result favours abolishing Māori wards/constituencies, there will not be an electoral contest for them in 2028. Otherwise, if the poll result favours keeping Māori wards/constituencies there will be an electoral contest for them at the local elections in 2028 and 2031.

Q: How will I find out the election results?

A: Candidates will be advised as soon as possible after progress and preliminary results are known. This may be by email or phone.

For voters, progress and preliminary results will be released to the media and placed on our website as soon as possible after noon on Saturday 11 October 2025.

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Q: What do I need to do if I want to challenge the results of the election?

A: Contact the Electoral Officer - Warwick Lampp (0800 398 683).

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Q: What are elected members responsible to?

A: Ultimately the elected members’ final responsibility is to the local community. The Minister of Local Government and the Auditor–General have a role in ensuring that councils follow the law.

Q: How long is the term of the elected member?

A: Three years.

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Q: Would being an elected member take up much time?

A: The time commitment varies depending on the role and the size of the local authority/community you are representing.

The mayor is generally considered to be a full-time position, and Councillors may spend around 20 hours per week on Council business, although this varies councillor-by-councillor and depends on specific roles (Committee Chairs, etc).

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Q: How many elected members are there?

A: 12 total:

• Mayor
• 5 Feilding ward councillors
• 5 Rural ward councillors
• 1 Māori ward councillor

Q: Can I view the electoral roll?

A: Yes, the electoral roll will be open for public inspection at your council’s offices and libraries from 4 July 2025 to 1 August 2025.

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Q: Where can I view the electoral roll that will be used for this election?

A: Available from 04 July 2025, this can be viewed at Council’s main office (135 Manchester Street, Feilding) and at Te Āhuru Mōwai, the Community Hub (64 Stafford Street, Feilding).

Q: Do all the staff working on the election know who I voted for?

A: No, your vote remains secret under the required roll scrutiny and counting procedures.

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Q: Can I help someone fill out their voting documents?

A: Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, you cannot interfere or influence any person as to how they can vote.

If authorised by a voter who is physically impaired, visually impaired or for whom English is a second language, a person can assist them to vote as directed by the voter.

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Q: What happens to all the voting documents after the elections?

A: They are delivered to the District Court and kept for 21 days so that the Court can access them should there be any application for recount or petition for inquiry. After 21 days, the court is responsible for destroying them.