What matters most to Auckland voters this election

Have your say and help shape Auckland’s future

Aucklanders are about to go to the polls to choose their mayor, local board members and councillors. It’s one of the most important ways to have your say on who leads the region you live in - so make your vote count.

Local elections are held every three years by postal vote. Voting starts for Election 2025 on Tuesday September 9, and closes at 12 noon on Saturday October 11.

In Auckland, voters are choosing one mayor, 20 ward councillors and 151 local board members – and your vote helps shape Auckland’s future.

From better public transport and thriving town centres, to protecting the natural environment and climate action, your elected representatives are making big calls about how Auckland works.

So if you don’t have your say, you’re letting someone else decide what happens in your neighbourhood and region.

Why your vote matters

Of the various levels of government in Aotearoa New Zealand, local councils have the most impact on the day-to-day happenings in our lives.

Many people don’t realise just how much, from aspects of life in the community, the mayor, councillors and local board members decide on; everything from the really big infrastructure projects such as the City Rail Link, to the smaller but just as important things, like the rules around where you can walk your dog and playspaces for children in your local parks.

And there are thousands of other things in between – street lighting and footpaths, public transport, the quality of drinking water from your tap and swimming water at your local beach, and what facilities like libraries, recreation centres and pools are available in your community.

And of course, the council decides the rates amount you pay on your home or business, and the services and assets that money will go towards.

Democracy is at its best when voices of the people are heard. So take the time to learn about the aspirations of your local candidates, and their proposals, to ensure you’re choosing representatives that reflect what’s important to you.

How to vote in the elections

You can vote in the local elections if you are over 18 and enrolled as a voter with the Electoral Commission.

Voting papers will arrive in the post between 9–22 September. When yours lands, make sure you fill it out to have your say.

Pop your completed voting paper in the return envelope and drop it in the big orange vote boxes located at Auckland libraries, select supermarkets and transport stations. You can also post your completed voting papers in any New Zealand Post box by Tuesday 7 October so they arrive before voting closes midday, Saturday 11 October.

If you haven’t enrolled by now, you will not receive your voting documents in the post. You can still enrol to vote but you will need to cast a special vote.

Your vote matters to help shape Auckland’s future. To find out more, browse the candidate catalogue to find out which ward and local board area you’re voting in and who’s standing in those areas at: voteauckland.co.nz/candidates

"It's a hard job and there are challenges, but it is also amazing. It's rewarding in its own way"

Lou-Ann Ballantyne, Auckland Council's Governance and Engagement GM - on what it takes to be a good councillor

Many significant projects, such as the City Rail Link, are due for completion in the next council term. The leadership and strategic decision-making of leaders will help guide Auckland through exciting changes as it continues to grow as a global city.

Those standing for election this year, require key skills and attributes to be an effective elected representative.

Elected members come from diverse backgrounds, and bring a range of different skills and experiences to the role; knowledge of local iwi, te ao Māori and tikanga is an asset.

Elected members must make broader decisions for the benefit of the wider community

Lou-Ann Ballantyne, Auckland Council’s Governance and Engagement GM, says a good elected member has vision, and a passion for their community.

They must think strategically, be good listeners and be unafraid to make tough decisions.

And while a candidate might stand on a particular platform, elected members must make broader decisions about a range of issues, so needed to keep an open mind for the benefit of the wider community.

“You definitely need good comms and engagement, and to work well with others. There will be differences of opinion - we don’t expect people to compromise their values, but being pragmatic when it comes to decision-making is important.

“These are tough jobs in the public spotlight, working with people you don’t know, so you definitely need some resilience,” she said.

Councillors are called on to speak publicly at meetings and events, and give comments and interviews to the media, so they should be able to confidently communicate your views and opinions when engaging with the public.

They will also need to build and maintain productive relationships and networks and be willing to respectfully engage with people from different cultures and disciplines, including community members and council employees.

We don’t expect councillors to understand it all, but you do need to ask the right questions – the ‘what does this mean for Auckland?’ question"
Lou-Ann Ballantyne

In a recent sponsored Stuff poll with Auckland Council, community-mindedess topped the list of requirements readers expected from their civic leaders.

They were key attributes which would help deal with demanding pressures from the role, Ballantyne said.

**Stuff readers recently outlined key traits they expected from the civic leaders**

**Stuff readers recently outlined key traits they expected from the civic leaders**

Councillors have to attend many meetings, including the full council and various committees, and they need to be well-prepared and informed on the topics being raised. They may also be co-opted to other organisations as a council representative.

“We don’t expect councillors to understand it all, but you do need to ask the right questions – the ‘what does this mean for Auckland?’ question,” Ballantyne said.

And when it comes to making hard decisions, it was important to consider the financial and long-term consequences of those decisions.

Given the work involved, the role of councillor is full time, with a lot of work required outside the usual business hours.

“You’ve got to be willing to work hard for your community . . . you need to be available when they are, which includes weekends and evenings. And council meetings can go into the evening,” said Ballantyne.

She said it was important to celebrate the successes. “It’s a hard job and there are challenges, but it is also amazing. It is rewarding in its own way.”