Last-minute effort critical to strong voter turnout this election

LGNZ says voting numbers are "significantly up” from the last election but is urging against complacency.

Figures as at 1 October 2025 – 10 days before election day – shows that 622,936 votes have been returned to date, representing 18.04% of eligible votes.

Compared to the same time 10 days before the 2022 local elections, which saw 353,005 votes returned (10.56% of eligible voters), the numbers have nearly doubled.

LGNZ Interim Chief Executive Scott Necklen says voters have until 7 October to post their voting papers, or they can drop them into a council ballot box by midday 11 October.

“While the numbers are an encouraging sign, it is important that those who haven’t voted yet, don’t forget to do so in the final run-up to elections.

“Based on the figures, this year’s local elections have the potential to better the 40% voter turnout in 2022. Almost all councils are tracking ahead in this regard, particularly rural councils which have seen almost a quarter of eligible voters cast their votes as at yesterday,” says Scott Necklen.

“This is encouraging as we know the bulk of voting paper returns – up to 70% of the total number for some councils – typically happens in the last seven days before an election.

“We believe the extra week of voting this year, alongside more orange ballot boxes in place compared to previous elections have played a key role in these numbers, as has the increased coverage of the policy.nz website.

“The strong level of public interest in issues such as rates rises and Māori wards has likely also encouraged more people to have their say.

“We need to keep up the momentum. Council decisions impact all parts of our lives, from roads, rubbish, footpaths and lighting to the supply of freshwater, resource management, community facilities and public spaces. This is your chance to influence those decisions.”

Key dates for voters:

• Post voting papers no later than Tuesday 7 October.
• Drop papers into an orange voting bin up until midday on 11 October. Bins are located at supermarkets, libraries, service stations and council facilities – details are on your council’s website.
• Need special voting papers? If your pack hasn’t arrived or has been damaged, contact your local electoral officer or check the vote.nz website.

Voting numbers breakdown (as at 1 October 2025):

• % of voting papers returned for rural councils – 24%
• % of voting papers returned for provincial councils – 21.4%
• % of voting papers returned for metro councils – 16.3%
• % of voting papers returned for local councils running a Māori Ward referendum – 19.8%
• Highest percentage of votes returned: Wairoa District at 33.36% (1,900 votes)
• Lowest percentage of votes returned: Carterton District at 10.53% (813 votes)
• View all voting return breakdowns per council here.