Vote
Every three years, we get a chance to choose the people who will decide how our neighbourhoods grow, how well our roads are maintained, how our drinking water is protected, how parks and libraries are run, and much more. This local election is more than just a checkbox — it’s our opportunity to hold decision-makers accountable, shape our community’s future, and ensure the voices of everyday people are heard in councils and boards.
This year’s election carries particularly high stakes. Councils across New Zealand have faced steep rate increases - in many areas, rates have surged far faster than inflation - fueling debates over how much infrastructure to invest in now versus pushing the cost onto future generations. Many councils will be holding referendums on whether Māori wards should remain or be disestablished. These decisions won’t just affect policy — they will affect who we are as a community. Make your voice count.
Don’t delay. Voting closes 11 October, vote now!
Improving Governance - Local Government Resources
For our elected officials, here are several resources for guidance about how to serve.
Elements of Leadership
TINZ offers an online learning resource aimed at newly elected officials, A journey through elements of local government leadership that are essential to the role. The TINZ road trip highlights elements of local government leadership that are essential to the role. It is not a deep dive, but offers opportunities to learn and reflect.
Official Information
Local Governments struggle to understand and comply with the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).
To assist them, the Chief Ombudsman's office offers a LGOIMA self-assessment tool. This is one of a number of initiatives from the Chief Ombudsman's office providing support and assistance to lift public sector capability in order to improve the administration, decision-making and compliance with official information legislation.
Achieving the purposes of the LGOIMA largely depends on the attitudes and actions of agency leaders. Excellent official information practice goes beyond simply complying with timeliness obligations. It is also about making connections with the broader purposes of the LGOIMA and communicating this to staff and the public.
The Chief Ombudsman encourages all agencies subject to official information legislation to use this tool. In doing so, agencies will realise not only the operational benefit of improving official information practices, but also the reputational benefit of signalling a desire to promote openness and transparency.
Conflict of Interest
The Auditor General’s Office provides important information for candidates who have a contract with their local authority, community board, or licensing trust: Contracting: Information for candidates considering standing for elections. It offers guidelines for preventing conflicts at the local level.
