Know someone with big ideas for Auckland’s future, strong decision-making skills and who could make a difference for you and your community?
Then shoulder-tap that talented human to stand for the benefit of Tāmaki Makaurau, as well as themselves in this year’s local elections.
Auckland Council is looking for passionate Aucklanders from different backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives and a wide range of skills to its decision-making table.
With only a week until nominations close at midday on 1 August 2025 – 147 nominations were received as at Friday 25 July, that's 58 positions being contested out of a total of 172. A breakdown of nomination numbers is published on the VoteAuckland website.
If you’ve got someone in mind who you believe would also be great as an elected member for Auckland, then don’t hold back – let them know this is their moment to shine. Be the epic support crew that plants the seed and nominate your mate to be in the running for a local board member, ward councillor or mayor in the local elections.
Governance and Engagement General Manager for Auckland Council Lou-Ann Ballantyne believes it’s so important that decisions made for Auckland represent the views of our diverse communities.
“Here’s your chance to look around, think of that influencer in your life and give them a nudge to put their abilities into motion,” says Ms Ballantyne.
“Auckland’s growth provides opportunities for our future-focused peers to make positive impacts. Encourage a friend, a work mate or family member, to embrace the challenge and play a key role in our region's plans.
“Strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate and collaborate are ideal skills for candidates, so if this sounds like your person – we want to hear from them,” she says.
Why vote for a stranger when you know someone who could get the job done? Your mate might even thank you later.
And speaking of job - they’ll even get paid if they’re elected!
Salaries range from:
- $31,000 to $56,000 for local board members
- $62,000 to $112,000 for local board chairs
- from $112,000 for ward councillors
- $300,000+ for the mayoral position.
This means your friend won’t necessarily have to give up their day job and could be earning an income while taking up one of the most rewarding jobs in the city.
No qualifications or experience is required. All they need is be 18 years of age or over, a New Zealand citizen, be enrolled to vote, have two nominators enrolled in the same area they intend to stand for, and a $200 deposit.
Nomination forms can be accessed on the Vote Auckland website.
Everything there is to know about standing in Auckland’s Local Elections is here: voteauckland.co.nz/beacandidate
