Have you ever thought about standing for local government?

Now’s the time to put your hand up.

Nominations are open until midday Friday 1 August for this year’s Auckland local elections.

And for the first time, candidates can nominate themselves online.

Paper forms are still available at selected Auckland Council libraries, from Election Services, or downloadable from VoteAuckland.

Auckland Council’s Governance and Engagement GM, Lou-Ann Ballantyne, is encouraging passionate locals to take the leap.

“It’s time for Aucklanders to step up... and let voters know more about them,” she says.

In 2022, 466 nominations were received across 172 roles, a jump from 423 in 2019.

Council hopes to see that grow again—with candidates who truly reflect the people of Auckland.

“Voters are more likely to turn out when they feel represented,” says Ballantyne.

To run, you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be enrolled to vote
• Submit a nomination with two voter signatures from your area
• Pay a $200 deposit (refunded if you get more than 25% of the lowest successful vote)

Important dates:

• Nominations close: Friday 1 August, 12:00
• Candidate list (preliminary): Released Friday 1 August evening
• Final list confirmed: Monday 4 August
• Candidate profiles online: From 1 September
• Voting opens: Tuesday 9 September

We’d love to see more Coasties throw their hat in the ring.

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