Whangārei steps up: big turnout of local candidates!

Published on 04 August 2025

Simon Weston, Whangarei District Council's Chief Executive, is pleased with the strong candidate turnout.

Candidate registrations for the 2025 Local Elections closed at noon on Friday 1 August 2025 and, with 44 nominations, numbers have exceeded those of the 2022 Local Elections. 

Simon Weston, Whangarei District Council's Chief Executive, says the increase in candidate numbers shows that local democracy is alive and well in our District. 

"We have 14 seats to fill at Council and it’s heartening to see 44 candidates come forward from our community," says Mr Weston. 

"Every seat will be contested, with excellent diversity in the candidate list for 2025. We’re seeing more first-time candidates putting their hands up, along with more experienced members of the community. We have candidates from all walks of life, backgrounds and skill sets."

"This is good news for local democracy and for our District, and I look forward to a stimulating elections campaign period." 

Local elections will run from 9 September through to noon on 11 October 2025. 

See your list of candidates in the 2025 Local Elections:

Candidates