Council calls on Māori candidates to stand in local election
Published on 09 May 2025
With local elections coming up in October this year, Whanganui District Council has organised a candidate information evening taking place at 5.15pm on Friday 16 May at Te Ao Hou Marae.
The evening will be an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to find out what’s involved in standing in the upcoming council election. It will also have a strong focus on Māori participation – given that the 2025 local election will be the first time Whanganui has two Māori ward councillor positions.
The event will feature special guests Dinnie Moeahu (New Plymouth District Councillor, elected at large) and Bridget Bell (Manawatū District Councillor, Māori ward) who will share insights about their journey into local government. Both Bridget and Dinnie are also members of Te Maruata – the Local Government New Zealand network supporting Māori elected members.
Whanganui District Council Deputy Electoral Officer and Democracy Services Manager, Anna Palamountain, says the event will be a chance for people to gain insights into the reality of being a councillor and an understanding of the rules surrounding standing for election.
“Nominations open on 4 July and close at 12 noon on 1 August. So, if you haven’t already, now is the time to be thinking about standing up and representing your community as a councillor – or shoulder-tapping others who you think would be well-suited for the role.”
Palamountain says this is a unique election year for Whanganui – with it being the first time Māori voters have had the option of voting in the Māori ward. “So even if you’re not personally planning to run for council, this event will be a great chance to learn how Whanganui’s new Māori ward will work.”
Māori wards for councils are similar to Māori electorates in Parliament. Māori roll voters elect Māori ward councillors, and general roll voters elect general ward councillors. However, regardless of whether you're on the Māori roll or General roll, everyone votes for the mayor.
In Whanganui, there will be one Māori Ward with two councillors elected (alongside ten general ward councillors).
Whanganui District Council Chief Executive, David Langford, says just like general ward councillors, Māori Ward councillors will represent the whole community – taking an oath to serve all residents and ratepayers.
“The idea behind having a Māori ward is to increase Māori representation at local government level – as despite making up nearly a quarter of our district’s population, people of Māori descent have historically been under-represented in Whanganui in terms of elected members.”
Langford adds that the candidate information evening will also touch on the Māori Ward referendum, which is being conducted as part of the 2025 local elections.
“At the same time as they vote for councillors and mayor, voters will be asked whether they support the continuation of a Māori ward in our District or not. This is a central government-imposed referendum that could cost ratepayers up to $45,000. When Whanganui District Council decided to introduce Māori Wards in October last year, 53% of submissions from the community were in support of Māori Wards.”
This first Prospective Candidate Information Evening is taking place at 5.15pm on Friday 16 May at Te Ao Hou Marae (365 Somme Parade). The event is free to attend, anyone is welcome and there will be some light refreshments for attendees.
There will be another Prospective Candidate Information event held at the War Memorial Hall on Monday 16 June covering the election more broadly.
For more information about Whanganui’s 2025 local elections, visit whanganui.govt.nz/vote