Got a strong desire to be the voice of your community and to be heard, or keen to find other Aucklanders who share similar views to you?
Connecting and participating in your local community can open doors for collaboration and provide a sense of belonging and pride in your neighbourhood with like-minded people.
Here are some ways to get amongst it and make a difference in your community with the people around you.
1. Don’t just sit there - stand in the local elections
This year, Auckland Council is in search of new political leaders, ward councillors and local board members to govern Tāmaki Makaurau. Have you thought about how Auckland could be led differently and what you’d do if elected?
With many part-time and full-time roles to be filled, consider yourself – yes you – representing and making decisions for your community. Learn more about standing for council and what you would do if elected.
2. Drop it in the vote box
If you’d prefer to support from the sidelines, no worries – you can do this by voting for the next mayor, ward councillors and your local board members.
From 9 September – 11 October 2025, you can choose who you think will make the best decisions for you and your whānau. Every vote counts – so once you’ve voted, make sure everyone you know does too.
Voting is super simple:
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Check you’re enrolled and your details are correct at vote.nz/enrolling, then just sit back until your voting papers arrive in the mail.
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Once candidates are announced in August 2025, learn more about who to vote for at voteauckland.co.nz
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Complete your voting paper and drop it in one of many vote boxes that will be placed all around the region in September 2025.
3. Power to the People’s Panel
You’re invited to share your thoughts on how to make Auckland a better place to live, work and play. Join the People’s Panel and be part of a diverse, active community of more than 72,000 people who care about our city.
As a member, you’ll receive short surveys on all sorts of topics such as transport, environment, your local board area, public policy and bylaws, parks and events.
Sign up to give us your feedback.
4. Volunteers needed
There are many great organisations to help volunteer with, such as here with volunteers at Hosking Reserve planting day.
Donating your time to good causes means a lot to people in need of a helping hand. Volunteering involves putting your hand up to contribute your efforts to an initiative you care about.
From caring for our parks, to rescuing food, to patrolling communities – there are ample volunteering opportunities across Tāmaki Makaurau. To discover these, look up your local volunteer groups in this conservation community directory to get involved.
5. Tell someone who cares
Want to share your ideas, concerns or get the word out about a great local initiative? Your local board would love to hear from you.
Find out which local board area you live in using the local board finder to contact the board and discuss things that affect your community.
Local boards are elected every three years to:
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represent the people of their area
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engage with and provide leadership
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make decisions on local matters and much more.
See local boards live in action at monthly public meetings – in person or online, where local matters of interest are raised and decisions are made.
To attend, check out local board meetings schedules or you can view the meeting agendas and minutes online.
