Te ara pōti i ngā pōtitanga ā-rohe How to vote in local elections
Read a full transcript of this video.
Watch this video in New Zealand Sign Language.
Post your vote
You should post your completed vote using any New Zealand Post box by Tuesday 7 October 2025 so it can reach us before 12 noon on election day, Saturday 11 October 2025.
Drop off your vote
There will be a number of locations throughout the Auckland where you can drop off your completed voting paper. This includes some libraries, supermarkets and transport stations.
What vote boxes look like
Why we use postal voting
Auckland Council cannot run online local elections. This is due to current electoral legislation set up by central government that only allows booth or postal voting for local elections.
What your voting paper will look like
An example of a local elections voting paper showing sample candidates and check boxes.
Steps to complete your vote
- Receive voting pack in the post:
Tuesday 9 September to Monday 22 September 2025 - Postal option - Return your completed vote by post in a NZ Post box (free postage included on your return envelope):
Tuesday 9 September to Tuesday 7 October 2025 - Vote box option - Drop your completed vote into a vote box:
Tuesday 9 September to Saturday 11 October 2025 - Progress results available after the close of voting:
Saturday 11 October 2025 - Preliminary results available:
Saturday 11 October 2025 - Final count published:
Tuesday 14 October to Friday 17 October 2025 - Official results declared in a public notice:
Friday 17 October 2025
You must drop your voting document into one of our vote boxes before 12 noon on Saturday 11 October 2025. Late votes will not be counted.
How the winners are decided
All local government organisations holding elections within the Auckland area use the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system.
First Past the Post electoral system
When voting in a First Past the Post election, you tick the name of the candidate(s) you want elected. You get the same number of votes as there are positions available. For example, if there are three positions, you can vote for three candidates.
When the votes are counted, the candidates with the most votes are elected.
Related topics
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Who can vote and how to enrol
Make sure you are enrolled to vote in the 2025 local elections. Find out who can vote, how to enrol and check if you are on the electoral roll.
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How local elections work
Take a closer look at how the local elections process works, including the Electoral Commission’s role.
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Key dates for the 2025 local elections
Candidate nominations close Friday 1 August. A final candidate list comes out later that day. Learn when voting starts, when election signs can go up and more.
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Why you should vote in the local elections
Read quick facts about the local elections, learn how elected members make decisions that affect you and your local community. Learn why voting is important.
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Find your local board and ward
Find the local board and ward you will be voting in for the 2025 local elections, plus learn more about how they work.
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Teaching and learning resources
Download our teaching and learning resources on the role of local government and elections in our community.