Election signs and hoardings must comply with election legislation and local signage rules.
General elections and local elections
Different rules apply to parliamentary general elections and local body elections.
Parliamentary general elections
For parliamentary general elections, Elections NZ provides information about:
- election sign requirements
- sign size limits
- promoter statements and authorisation requirements
- restrictions that apply during the voting period
- signage near voting places
- election advertising rules
- complaints about election signage
Election signs must include the name and contact details of the person who authorised the sign, as required by electoral legislation. For current promoter statement requirements and other election sign rules, refer to guidance on the Elections NZ website
Local body elections
For local body elections, election signs must comply with the Local Electoral Act 2001 and our signage rules.
Where election signs can be displayed
Private property
- Election signs may be displayed on private property with the landowner's permission.
- Signs must comply with all relevant signage rules in the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan (TRMP).
Approved public locations
One sign per political party or independent candidate may be displayed at each approved election sign site. The approved locations are:
- Adjacent to Waerenga-o-Kuri Hall
Sign requirements
Election signs must:
- not block visibility at intersections, driveways or accessways
- not create confusion with traffic signs
- be kept in good condition
- be installed safely
- not reflect light that could affect road users.
- have a maximum sign face area of 3m2
Road reserves and state highways
Signs must not be placed on road carriageways or median strips.
Additional restrictions may apply within road reserves and on or adjacent to state highways. Approval from NZ Transport Agency may be required before placing signs on or near a state highway.
Underground services
Council may mark underground services within approved election sign areas. Take care when installing signs to avoid damaging power, telecommunications, water and other underground infrastructure. Anyone responsible for damage may be required to pay repair costs.
Display periods and election-specific requirements
The period during which election signs may be displayed, along with requirements relating to voting places and election advertising can vary depending on the type of election and the legislation that applies.
Anyone displaying election signs should check the current requirements for the relevant election before erecting signage.
For parliamentary general elections, refer to Elections NZ guidance for current display periods, voting-place restrictions and other election-specific requirements.
Please note: Some election sign rules are set by national electoral legislation and may override local signage rules. This can include when election signs can be displayed and restrictions on signs near voting places. Always check the current Elections NZ requirements before putting up election signs.
Further information
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