Ever thought about what you’d do if elected as mayor, a ward councillor or local board member?
If elected in October 2025, you’ll be part of a team that calls the shots for Tāmaki Makaurau. Elected members help decide how Auckland’s money is spent, give feedback on plans for our region’s infrastructure, regulations, public services and the facilities to meet current and future needs, support local businesses, and so much more.
With all these decisions and opportunities potentially coming your way, here are some handy things to know about Auckland as you consider putting yourself up to take the reins:
Who we are: 1.7 million people call Tāmaki Makaurau home. Get to know your audience by checking out the demographics of potential voters in your area, including census fact sheets for each local board area on Knowledge Auckland.
Show me the money: Known as the country’s economic powerhouse, we have one-third of New Zealand's population, generate 38 per cent of the country's gross domestic product and around 40 per cent of its tax revenue. Learn about Auckland’s economic challenges and opportunities to help with decisions on economic development for our region, which affect the rest of the country too.
What’s in the mix: Our cocktail of cultures makes us one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world. Over 40 per cent of Auckland residents are born overseas – one of the highest rates among world cities. Delve into Tāmaki Makaurau’s cultural diversity with more details from Stats NZ.
Where we live: There’s been a big increase in medium-density housing, with 28 per cent of Auckland homes now either apartments, units or townhouses – up from 19 per cent in 2018. Check out how potential voters are living and what people think about those homes.
What we earn: The average household income in Auckland was $163,420 in 2024, against the New Zealand average of $132,873. Find out how much Aucklanders are earning to get a sense of potential voters’ priorities.
Setting the vision: Check out the local priorities and plans set for communities which, if elected, you’ll likely be contributing to and other key plans for Tāmaki Makaurau where you might also have input.
And there is plenty more about Tāmaki Makaurau to discover in preparation for your local elections campaign.
Get into the research so you can be the most informed voice for your community. Nominations open Friday 4 July and close at midday on Friday 1 August.
Find everything there is to know about standing at Vote Auckland.
