Council urges candidates to get a move on
Published on 30 July 2025
12 noon this Friday 1 August is the final deadline for council candidate nominations.
Whanganui District Council’s democracy services manager Anna Palamountain says, “we know it’s fashionable to make a late entrance, but if you’re planning to run in this year’s local election, you’d better get a move on.
“Once the clock hits noon on Friday, that’s it. Nominations for the local election are closed. No grace period. No extensions. No exceptions.
She says, “This is your chance to stand up, be counted and serve your community as an elected member – but first things first, you need to get your completed nomination form and $200 to us before the cut-off.”
To be eligible, you must be:
- at least 18 years old
- a New Zealand citizen
- enrolled on the electoral roll
Candidates don’t need to live in the Whanganui District but must be nominated by two people who do.
Completed nomination forms can be emailed to elections@whanganui.govt.nz or dropped off to customer services at 101 Guyton Street. Forms can be downloaded from whanganui.govt.nz/stand or picked up in person.
Candidates can also provide:
- A 150-word profile statement
- A recent head-and-shoulders photo
Palamountain says, “Just remember, your photo needs to be a clear head and shoulders shot of you – no pets, no kids, no holiday snaps. Think passport photo, but a bit friendlier.
“Both your statement and photo must be submitted electronically to elections@whanganui.govt.nz.
“Election candidates can also book in to record a 90-second video introduction,” she says, “which will be published on the council website to help voters get to know them.”
Nomination forms and everything candidates need to know about standing in the local election is at:
whanganui.govt.nz/stand
For more information, contact the council’s elections team on (06) 349 0001 or email elections@whanganui.govt.nz