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Stand

Information on how to stand in the 2025 local elections

Nominations for the 2025 Gisborne District Council elections are open, with candidates putting their names forward for Mayor and Councillor positions across the Tairāwhiti General and Māori wards.

You can view the list of nominations received so far. This is updated each week as new nominations come in

Nominations close  12noon Friday 1 August.

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

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

To stand in the 2025 elections, complete a separate nomination form for each position - Mayor, Tairāwhiti Māori Ward, or Tairāwhiti General Ward.

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Nomination forms are also available:

How to submit your nomination

You can submit your nomination:

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.

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.

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.

Campaign launch

You're free to start campaigning any time before the election and right through to election day - but there are some timeframes and rules to keep in mind.

Election signs

  • Signs may be installed after midnight on Saturday 30 August
  • Signs must be removed by midnight on Friday 10 October

Read the Candidate Information Handbook for practical advice on campaigning and advertising rules and budgeting your campaign spend.

Advice on social media use and our campaign signage policy

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

Guide outlines the key rules and expectations for candidates using social media in the lead-up to the 2025 local elections.

Use of Council social media channels

  • Council social media channels (including Kiwa Pools and the Library) are official resources and must remain politically neutral.
  • Council will promote elections and encourage voter participation but will not associate posts with any individual candidates.
  • Once your candidacy is confirmed, council will unfollow or remove engagement with your campaign accounts.
  • Council channels will not follow, like, comment on, or share any campaign-related content in relation to candidates.
Candidates must not:
  • Post on Council's social media channels, nor should they comment on, share on or otherwise use council social media channels for electioneering purposes.
  • Use council branding, images, or staff in campaign content.
  • Tag, rate, check-in, or review council pages in their campaign posts.

Council pages are monitored, and any campaign-related content will be removed immediately.

Candidate social media accounts

You may use personal or dedicated campaign social media accounts to promote your candidacy.

  • Do not imply that Council or staff endorse your candidacy or campaign.
  • Do not use Council-owned material (including photos from events or photos with Council staff) in your campaign.

Legal and compliance obligations

All social media content used for campaigning must comply with the Local Electoral Act 2001 and Advertising Standards Code.

  • Paid or sponsored posts must be clearly identified as electoral advertising.
  • Candidates are legally responsible for their published content. False, misleading, or defamatory posts may lead to complaints or investigation.
  • Keep records of your social media activity for the duration of the campaign.

Online conduct

Maintain respectful and professional behaviour in all online interactions.

  • Avoid personal attacks, inflammatory language, or arguments online.
  • Do not involve or reference Council staff in campaign communications — staff must remain politically neutral.

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.