There’s a seat waiting at the table. Not just any table—but the one where decisions get made about the place you call home.

If you’ve ever thought, “I could do something about that,” this is your moment.

The 2025 local elections are your chance to step up, shape your community, and bring your voice to the room where it counts. Whether you're ready to stand as a candidate— or you're simply curious about who is—now’s the time to tune in.

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Start here: the Pre-Election Report

The Tararua District Pre-Election Report is more than a document—it’s your candidacy companion. Think of it as your campaign guidebook—packed with essential information. It gives you a clear picture of:

• Behind the scenes – Get to know how Council works: its vision, strategic direction, and internal structure.
• The financials – Understand the current financial position, key trends, and long-term forecasts.
• What’s underway – Dive into major projects, priorities, and plans already in progress.
• The big picture – Learn about the pressures shaping local government, both here in Tararua and across New Zealand.

Whether you’re new to local government or a returning elected member, this report helps you step into candidacy with eyes wide open. It's not about campaign slogans—it’s about knowing what the job truly involves, and where you can make the most impact.

Read the Pre-Election Report (PDF file, 12.3 MB)

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Information for Candidates

An information session for candidates was held in Dannevirke and the live stream of that session is available at the link below. The next Candidate Information Session will be held on 21 July at 3:00 pm in the Pahiatua Council Chambers, 136 Main Street.

Watch the Live Stream of the Candidate Information Session

Tararua District Candidate Handbook

A localised guide that explains nomination processes, eligibility, campaigning guidelines, and more.

Tararua District Candidate Handbook (PDF file, 8.3 MB)

LGNZ Candidate Handbook

A helpful nationwide overview from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).

LGNZ Candidate Handbook (PDF file, 1.0 MB)

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Information for Voters

Confirmed candidates that have returned their nomination forms and paid the required fee will be loaded to the electionz.nz website and this is regularly being updated. You can see who’s standing for:

Tararua District Council

• Mayoralty (1 vacancy)
• North Tararua Ward (4 vacancies)
• South Tararua Ward (4 vacancies)
• Tāmaki nui-a-Rua Māori Ward (1 vacancy)

Community Boards

• Dannevirke Community Board (4 vacancies)
• Eketāhuna Community Board (4 vacancies)

Regional Councils

• Horizons Regional Council
• Greater Wellington Regional Council

View the nomination list here:

www.electionz.com/LGE2025 _resource/nominations.html

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The Future Doesn’t Elect Itself

Whether you're thinking about standing, or you're just keen to cast an informed vote - take a moment to read the Pre-election Report or check out a Candidate Information Session and let’s decide what’s next for Tararua, together.