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Te Kōwhiringa pōti 2025 - Local elections 2025

Local elections, held every three years, are an opportunity for residents and ratepayers to vote for a mayor and councillors. The next local election will be held on Saturday, 11 October 2025.

Some things are worth standing for. Your community is one of them.

The Elections Roadshow is rolling across the Whakatāne District, meeting you at markets, festivals, coffee shops and community events with everything you need to get involved in the upcoming local elections. 

Whether you're thinking about standing as a candidate, need help getting enrolled to vote, or just have questions about how it all works, our friendly team is packed and ready to help – so catch us when we pull up in your hapori / community to chat all things elections.

Elections Roadshow

Wednesday, 9 July: Light Up Whakatāne (Wharaurangi) 6pm
Thursday, 10 July: Jack Knowles Reserve, Tāneatua 10am 
Friday, 11 July: The Comm, Whakatāne 5pm 
Saturday, 12 July: Light Up Whakatāne (Wharaurangi) 6pm
Sunday, 13 July: Whakatāne Sunday Market 8am 

Candidate nominations

By being elected to Whakatāne District Council or a community board, you'll be contributing to decisions that affect people and communities across the district.

Enrol to vote

Are you ready to vote on 11 October?

How to vote

Every vote is a stand for Whakatāne's future.

Media releases

Pre-Election Report launches as Council gears up for local elections

The countdown to this year’s local elections is officially on, marked by the release of ‘All you need to know about the Council’ - Whakatāne District Council’s 2025 Pre-Election Report.

This essential document offers a snapshot of Council’s current work programme, finances, and the key issues and opportunities facing the district in the years ahead. It’s a must-read for anyone considering standing, planning to vote, or simply wanting to understand the big decisions coming up. Read the full article »

From resident to representation: Stand for something this election

Whakatāne District Council today launches its 2025 local election campaign – Stand for Something: Tū Tūturu.

The campaign calls on people from all walks of life to step up, be heard, and lead where they live. It also encourages residents and ratepayers to enrol, vote and help shape the future of the Whakatāne District. Read the full article »

Māori Wards Poll

A binding poll in relation to Māori Wards will also be held alongside the election.

The poll will be held alongside the 2025 local body elections, with voting closing on Saturday, 11 October 2025.

While the existing Māori wards will remain in place for the 2025 election, the outcome of the poll is binding and will determine Māori ward arrangements for the 2028 and 2031 local elections.

  • If the poll outcome is 'yes', then the Māori wards will remain in place for the 2028 and 2031 elections.
  • If the poll outcome is 'no', then the Māori wards cannot be re-established for at least the 2028 and 2031 elections.

Regardless of the poll outcome, the Council is required to complete a representation review at least once every six years. The last review was conducted in 2021/2022, meaning the next Council representation review will take place in 2027/28.

  • If the 2025 poll supports Māori wards, the 2027/2028 representation review must include Māori ward(s) in the arrangements.
  • If the 2025 poll does not support Māori wards, the 2027/2028 representation review will not include Māori ward(s).

Stand informed. Stand decided. Understanding all perspectives helps you take your stand on representation that matters to your community.

What you'll be voting for

Your community needs your voice. You'll be voting for representatives who will make decisions affecting your daily life for the next three years:

Mayor (elected district-wide)

10 Councillors from 6 wards:

  • Rangitāiki General Ward (2 councillors)
  • Te Urewera General Ward (1 councillor)
  • Whakatāne-Ōhope General Ward (4 councillors)
  • Rangitāiki Māori Ward (1 councillor)
  • Kāpū-te-rangi Māori Ward (1 councillor)
  • Toi ki Uta Māori Ward (1 councillor)

Community boards (24 members total)

  • Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board
  • Rangitāiki Community Board
  • Tāneatua Community Board
  • Murupara Community Board

Pre Election Report

This October, you’ll get to vote for the Mayor and Councillors who best reflect your values and priorities for Whakatāne District. Your voice matters - whether you’re voting or thinking about standing as a candidate.

The decisions made by the Council affect all of us - from community facilities and services to the environment, infrastructure, and how land is used.

The Pre-Election Report gives voters and potential candidates useful information about Whakatāne District Council ahead of the 2025 local elections.

All you need to know about the Council | Pre Election Report 2025 »

Elections 2025 Timetable

DateEvent
Now - Monday, 4 AugustEnrol! From Monday, 4 August anyone who is entitled to vote and who is not enrolled as an elector, or whose details are incorrectly recorded on the roll, will have to cast a 'special vote'.
Friday, 4 JulyNominations open for candidates. Nominations have to be sent to the electoral officer for the council, district health board or licensing trust. Rolls open for inspection at council offices and other sites locally.
Monday, 4 AugustNominations close at 12 noon. Rolls close. After this date, anyone who is entitled to vote and who is not enrolled as an elector, or whose details are incorrectly recorded on the roll, will have to cast a 'special vote'.
Tuesday, 9 SeptemberVoting opens. Voting documents delivered to households. Electors can post the documents back to electoral officers as soon as they have voted.
Saturday, 11 OctoberPolling day - The voting documents must be at the council before voting closes at 12 noon. Preliminary results (i.e. once all 'ordinary' votes are counted) will be available as soon as possible afterwards.
16-29 October
(or as soon as practicable)		Official results (including all valid ordinary and special votes) declared.

Contact information

Electoral Officer
Dale Ofsoske
Independent Election Services Ltd
Phone: 0800 922 822
Email: dale.ofsoske@electionservices.co.nz

Deputy Electoral Officer
Chirese Viljoen
Whakatāne District Council
Phone: 07 306 0500
Email: chirese.viljoen@whakatane.govt.nz

About the Council »

Whakatāne District Council's vision is to be known as the place of choice for people to live, work and play. Find out more about how we set out to achieve that through our people, initiatives, projects and governance.

Mayor and Councillors »

Community Boards »

Te Kōwhiringa pōti 2025 - Local elections 2025 »

Contact us »

Give us general feedback or make enquiries. Bring attention to problems in your neighbourhood and request a service to fix them. Make a complaint about the Council's standard of service or another issue.

Phone: 07 306 0500

Online enquiry form

Do it online

info@whakatane.govt.nz

Documents »

Whakatāne District Council has a number of documents available for public viewing, including:

Operative District Plan - 2017 »

Long Term Plan 2024-34 »

Residents »

This section contains information relevant to residents of the Whakatāne District and shortcuts to commonly-accessed services in other sections of this website.

Services »

Whakatāne District Council provides a wide range of services to its residents and ratepayers. In this section, you will find information on these services.

Online services