Your Council, Your Call: Waipā nominations open today

Nominations are officially open for the 2025 local government elections – and Waipā District Council is encouraging people to step up and help shape the district’s future.

Chief Executive Steph O’Sullivan says this election is a critical opportunity for residents to have their say on who represents them and leads Waipā through a time of exciting opportunity but also rapid change.

“Waipa District is well placed in terms of geography, our economy, our social and cultural richness and we want to ensure we are great guardians who can take up opportunities and meet the challenges of the future,” she says.

“A strong democracy depends on active citizenship – people who vote, are informed, and willing to roll up their sleeves and participate as community members and as elected members.”

O’Sullivan placed emphasis on local government being where decisions have a direct and visible impact – from maintaining roads and parks to deciding where new homes and businesses are built. And with Waipā’s population expected to grow by nearly 20 percent by 2034, the need for smart, future-focused local leadership has never been greater.

“Public service needs people who can think beyond today’s headlines and focus on long-term outcomes. We call that making mokopuna decisions, thinking about generational impacts on our children's children.

“The rapid pace of change in local government is highly complex and ever evolving. Strong, engaged, local leadership is more important than ever, to make sure we add value to our communities.”

O’Sullivan describes elected members as critical decision-makers – they are governors and they are kaitiaki (guardians), advocates, listeners and community connectors.

“We need people who reflect the full diversity of our communities, who lead with empathy, courage and purpose. This is your invitation: take up the call. Help shape the Waipā of tomorrow — a place we are all proud to call home.”

What does it take to stand?

You don’t need special qualifications to run for local government. Elected members come from all backgrounds. Anyone who is a New Zealand citizen, aged 18 or over, and enrolled on the electoral roll, is eligible to stand.

To be nominated:

• You must complete an official nomination form and send it to the Council’s electoral officer.
• You’ll need two people to nominate you – they must be over 18 and enrolled to vote in the area you plan to stand. You can’t nominate yourself.
• You must agree to be nominated and pay a $200 deposit (which may be refunded depending on election results).

Nominations open today and close at 12 noon on Friday, August 1. Local elections will be held by postal vote, with voting papers sent out from Tuesday, September 9. Election Day is Saturday, October 11.

For more information on standing as a candidate in Waipā, including nomination forms and key dates, visit waipadc.govt.nz/elections.