Local Body Elections

Local elections
Local body elections are held every three years. The date of the next election is Saturday, 11 October 2025.
This is an opportunity to stand as a candidate and to vote for the people who you think best represent your interests and views.

Elections will be held for two councillors to represent Buller Constituency, three to represent Grey and two to represent Westland on West Coast Regional Council.

Key dates – 2025 elections

4 July 2025: Candidate nominations open, roll opens for public inspection
1 August 2025: Candidate nominations close 12 noon, roll closes
6 August 2025: Public notice of candidates’ names
9-22 September 2025: Voting documents posted out, voting opens
7 October 2025: Last day posting vote by mail. After this date, votes must be returned to Council’s secure ballot boxes.
11 October 2025: Election day – voting closes midday
16-19 October 2025: Declaration of results

A candidate handbook for the 2025 election will be available on this website by 30 May 2025.

How do I enrol to vote?
If you are registered to vote in Parliamentary elections, you are automatically enrolled as a residential elector to vote in local authority elections. You will receive your voting document in the mail so you can vote by post. More details: Information for voters - Vote 25 | Pōti 25
If you have never been enrolled, it’s easy to do so via the Electoral Commission website Enrol or update online | Vote NZ

Non-resident ratepayers
If you live in one area and pay rates on a property in another area you may qualify to vote in both areas if you meet enrolment criteria. More information: Non-resident Ratepayer Roll - Vote 25 | Pōti 25
Further election related information will be available from this page throughout 2025.