Candidate Nominations Now Open for 2025 Local Elections
The Candidate Nomination period for the 2025 local elections is officially open, and Manawatū District Council (MDC) is calling on passionate community members to step up and help shape the future of our District . Nominations opened on Friday, 4 July, and will close promptly at 12 noon on Friday, 1 August.
This is a valuable opportunity for individuals who care deeply about their communities and want to make a meaningful difference by standing for election to Council. Available positions include:
- Mayor,
- Councillors for the Feilding General Ward,
- Councillors for the Manawatū Rural General Ward, and
- Councillors for Ngā Tapuae o Mātangi Māori Ward.
To be eligible, candidates must be nominated by two people who are enrolled on the electoral roll within the ward the candidate is seeking to represent. Nomination forms and detailed information are available on the Council website.
Chief Executive Shayne Harris encourages those considering candidacy to reflect on the positive impact they could have: “Standing for Council is a unique opportunity to shape the direction and wellbeing of our District. It’s ideal for people who want to serve, lead, and represent their communities.” As nominations are received and verified, confirmed candidates will be published and accessible through the ElectioNZ portal.
While candidates prepare their nominations, voters are also encouraged to take steps to ensure they’re ready for the October elections. This includes confirming their details on the electoral roll and considering their electoral roll type. Eligible voters can choose to be enrolled on either the General Electoral Roll or the Māori Electoral Roll, but this decision must be made before 10 July 2025.
If you are of Māori descent, you may choose which roll to be on—this choice determines whether you vote in the Māori Ward or a General Ward and which candidates you are eligible to vote for.
Several community organisations are hosting Meet the Candidate events, which are opportunities for the community to hear from candidates for the elections. The dates and locations of these community-led sessions are available on our Council website. Residents are encouraged to find and save the date of their local event by visiting the site and supporting informed participation in the upcoming elections.
