We're holding a Candidate Information Evening on 26 June 2025 - 6.30pm - 7.30pm at the Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street. Richmond. Get more details and information for prospective candidates here.
Local Government elections (also referred to as Local Authority Elections) throughout New Zealand are held by postal vote every three years and run by the local authority (the Tasman District Council).
General Elections are run by the Electoral Commission (not the Tasman District Council).
Elections are conducted under the provisions of the Local Electoral Act 2001, the Local Electoral Regulations 2001, and the Local Government Act 2002. Read the public notification of the Local Authority Election on 11 October 2025.
If you weren’t already aware, 2025 is a local body election year, but these elections don’t only let us choose Councillors to represent us at the Council table. In Golden Bay and Motueka, residents also get to elect Community Boards.
These Boards are separately elected advisory bodies and are not Council committees. Their main role is to represent and act as an advocate for the interests of their community.
In Motueka, the Board comprises four Board members, with three ward Councillors also sitting on it. The Golden Bay Board also has four Board members elected, plus the two ward Councillors.
Community boards consider and report on all matters referred to them by the territorial authority, or any matter of interest or concern to the community board.
Community boards maintain an overview of services provided by the territorial authority within the community and prepare an annual submission to the territorial authority for expenditure within the community.
Their role is also to communicate with community organisations and special interest groups within the community and take on any other responsibilities that are delegated to them by the Council.
Have you thought about standing for the Council or a Community Board? It’s a hard but rewarding role, and you’ll be making a positive difference for people and communities today and into the future.
Nominations open on Monday 7 July. Visit votelocal.co.nz/information-for-candidates(external link) for further information.
Incumbent elected members seeking re-election have two roles. They continue to make the decisions as members of the Council or its community boards, while at the same time campaigning for re-election as a candidate.
These protocols provide guidance on how to balance the dual role as elected members and candidates seeking re-election.
Election Protocols for Elected Members 2025.pdf (pdf 172 KB)
Candidates must comply with the following guidelines for social media use and presence related to campaigning.
