Do you love Taranaki and want to help shape the future of the region?
Nominations for the 2025 local elections open on 4 July and close on 1 August.
Taranaki Regional Council is urging those who want their voice heard to take a run at being a councillor with nominations opening on Friday 4 July.
This year’s local elections take place in October and voters will elect five councillors in the New Plymouth constituency, two in North Taranaki, one in Stratford, one in the Taranaki Māori constituency and two in South Taranaki.
Chief Executive Steve Ruru says those considering a tilt for the Council should come along to three candidate information events on 5 July where they can find out more about the role and the Council’s mahi protecting the environment now and into the future.
“If you’re considering running for Council this year, it’s vital you know what we do and how our work touches communities across the region, from Waverley to Tongapōrutu and Ōpunake to Te Wera,” says Mr Ruru.
“We’d love to have a chat with you at the information events in Hāwera, Stratford and New Plymouth or you can find out more about our work and the elections on our website or from a Pre-Election Report we’ll be releasing in a few weeks.
“For those elected as a councillor, you will support, advocate and provide leadership to the community you represent, and your voice will help shape the future of a region of more than 130,000 people.”
The information events are hosted by the region’s three district councils on 5 July and kick-off in Hāwera from 9 to 11am at South Taranaki District Council’s Administration Building on 105-111 Albion Street. The Stratford hui is from 12 to 2pm at the Council Chambers at 63 Miranda Street while the New Plymouth meeting is in the Council Chamber in the Civic Centre, 84 Liardet Street, from 3 to 5pm.
For those unable to attend the three sessions on 5 July, Taranaki Regional Council has organised a webinar on Wednesday 16 July where prospective candidates can find out more and ask any questions they may have about the process. Head to https://zoom.us/j/93717327672(external link) from 6pm.
For further information on how to stand for Taranaki Regional Council, head to taranakirc.nz/how-to-stand. The Candidate Information Handbook can be downloaded here(external link).
Mr Ruru also urges voters to double check they’re on the electoral roll, so they don’t miss out on making their voice count in the local body elections.
“We want as many people as possible to take part in the elections and have their say on who will sit around the council table and make the decisions which affect them,” says Mr Ruru.
“If you’ve not yet received a letter from the Electoral Commission, it’s worth heading to vote.nz to find out if you’re enrolled and, if not, fill out the forms to get on the general or Māori electoral roll.
“Elections are always an exciting time for us and we’re looking forward to talking with our communities about the important issues we’re facing and finding out who has put their hand up to be one of the elected members for the next three years.”