International Women’s Day is a great time to consider the opportunities for women, including those that add to the wāhine voice in governance, started by New Zealand’s suffrage movement 156 years ago.
And there is still plenty to do to increase the representation of women in government. Tāmaki Makaurau is currently represented by 63 women within a total of 170 elected members. Even though there were fewer wāhine in total standing in Auckland's 2022 Local Elections, a larger proportion of women were elected than men (44% of female candidates were successful vs 35% of male candidates). With 51% of Aucklanders being female, equal representation is some way away.
Governance and Engagement General Manager at Auckland Council Lou-Ann Ballantyne emphasises the importance of a gender balance in local government politics:
“We want to empower more women to take the lead shaping the future of this region by standing in this year’s local elections, and we’d like to see more wāhine at the decision-making table,” says Ms Ballantyne.
“Women bring complementary perspectives and leadership styles to government, and vocalise issues that are sometimes left off the table, so it’s important that women are fairly represented.
“Of course, diverse representation across all demographics is vital for Auckland’s citizens – we are more likely to engage in decisions that affect our daily lives, if our values and ideas are respected and considered by those who might think similarly to us.”
The suffrage movement for women’s rights was led by notable wāhine, including Kate Sheppard who in 1893 helped win women’s right to vote, and Elizabeth Yates who was the first female to be elected in Auckland and in the British Empire as Mayor of Onehunga Borough Council, the day after the first general election allowing female voters.
With this year’s race to be Auckland’s mayor, ward councillors or local board members inching closer, candidates need to start planning now. The process is straightforward – all you need to do is:
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decide whether you want to run as a local board member, ward councillor or mayor
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find two people enrolled in the area you’re standing in to nominate you
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complete a nomination form available from 4 July 2025 – 1 August 2025
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pay the $200 deposit
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and encourage Aucklanders to vote for you – you can start campaigning any time.
Everything you need to know about being a voice for your community and standing for council is available via Vote Auckland.
