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Stand

Information on how to stand in the 2025 local elections

Nominations are now open for Mayor and Councillors in the 2025 Gisborne District Council elections.

Thinking of standing for Council?

Here's what you need to know - how to stand, what's involved in campaigning, what to expect as an elected member of Gisborne District Council. Whether you're ready to nominate or just exploring the idea, this is your guide to stepping into local leadership.

On this page

Candidate information

Come along to a candidate information session near you - Council staff and election experts will guide you through what's involved and answer any questions you may have.

Session dates and locations:
  • Council Chambers, 6pm Wednesday 11 June
  • Tokomaru Bay United Sports Club, 6pm Wednesday 25 June
  • Manutuke Fire Station, 6pm Wednesday 2 July
  • Ruatoria RSA, 6.30pm Wednesday 9 July

No RSVP needed - just bring your questions.

Information handbook, FAQs and pre-election report

Everything you need to know about the elections process is in the Candidate Information Handbook including candidate eligibility, how to get nominated, campaigning rules, voting, results. We also have FAQs and the Pre-Election Report.

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The Pre-Election Report outlines the significant challenges and opportunities facing Council and the region.

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Candidate nomination - who can stand?

Here's what you need to know to get your nomination in.

Who can stand?

To be eligible to stand for election, a candidate must:

  • be aged 18 years or over
  • be a New Zealand citizen by birth or citizenship ceremony
  • be enrolled on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll - this can be at an address anywhere in New Zealand
  • have 2 people nominate you who are electors (residential or ratepayer) of the Tairāwhiti Ward you're standing for.
A nominator must:
  • be aged 18 years or over
  • be enrolled on the electoral roll (residential or ratepayer) at an address in the area the candidate is standing for election, ie for Councillor for the Tairāwhiti Māori Ward, a nominator must be on the electoral roll in the Tairāwhiti Māori Ward area.

Nomination forms

Nomination papers for Mayor, Tairāwhiti Māori Ward and Tairāwhiti General Ward.

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Key dates

  • Nominations opened: Friday 4 July 2025
  • Nominations close: 12noon, Friday 1 August 2025.
    Don't leave it to the last day - there may not be time to fix any errors.

How to submit your nomination

You'll need to complete an official nomination form - one for each position you're standing for.

The nomination form is available:

You can submit your nomination paper:

A $200 deposit is required with your nomination. Payments can be made by electronic bank transfer, cash or eftpos.

For more information about what you need to provide with your nomination - refer to the Candidate Information Handbook.

How many positions can I stand for?

In the 2025 Gisborne District Council elections:

  • You can stand for mayor and one ward councillor position (either Tairāwhiti General or Tairāwhiti Māori Ward)
  • You cannot stand for both wards - you must choose one
  • if elected to more than one position, you must accept the highest ranked role eg Mayor over Councillor.

What qualifications and experience do I need to stand?

You don't need any formal qualifications. Elected members come from all walks of life and generally have a desire to serve the community. All or some of the following capabilities will be useful in the elected member role:

  • quality decision-making
  • political acumen
  • leadership
  • cultural awareness
  • strategic thinking
  • knowledge and understanding of Gisborne District Council and local government
  • communication and engagement, relationship building and collaboration.
Preparing to stand

Talk to people in your community to find out what's important to them. Also learn about the roles and responsibilities of being an elected member. Read the handy guides for more advice and information.

When can I start campaigning?

You can start campaigning any time before the election and continue up to and including election day.

Election campaign signs can only go up after midnight Saturday 30 August and must be removed by midnight Friday 10 October.

Make sure you read the Candidate Information Handbook for advice around campaigning, using social media, election advertising and the amount you can spend on a campaign.

Election signs

Council has a policy around election signs including approved locations.

Approved sites for signs

One sign per political party or independent candidate may be erected on the following sites:

  • Kaiti Memorial Park, adjacent to Rutene Road and Wainui Road.
  • Alfred Cox Park, adjacent to Grey Street opposite the Information Centre.
  • Botanical Gardens, adjacent to Roebuck Road.
  • Childers Road Reserve, adjacent to Childers Road.
  • Lysnar Reserve.
  • Lytton Road Bridge (Nelson Park).
  • Adjacent to Waerenga-o-Kuri Hall.

Signs on private property

  • must have the permission of the land owner
  • must comply with the General Rules of the District Plan (signage) and rules 11.1.6.

For more information, see the Candidate Information Handbook or refer to the Elections Hoarding Policy 2025

What you can expect as an elected member

A day in the life of an elected member:

  • read and prepare for the upcoming week's meetings
  • attend and vote in various decision-making meetings and committees
  • speak to residents as part of a consultation topic
  • meet and engage with the public to hear their views
  • attend events like public meetings, citizenship ceremonies or the opening of a new facility
  • represent the Council at community and cultural events
  • take part in community activities, like a working bee for a local stream regeneration project.

Read the Candidate Information Handbook for more information about what Council does, the salary, code of conduct and more.