Auckland’s local elections happen just every three years – and they’re happening in September and October.
Voting is an important part of being an Aucklander and showing you care for your community. Use our handy checklist to make sure you get your vote in on time, and choose the leaders you want to run the region.
1. Find out who is up for election in your community
It’s important to find out what the candidates are standing for, so you can choose the people who best represent your views.
And it’s easy! Visit showyourlove.co.nz from 16 September to find out who is running.
2. Brush up on what roles people are being elected for
During Auckland’s local election, you vote for:
- the mayor
- councillors
- members of your local board
- members of your district health board
- members of a licensing trust (only some areas).
The mayor leads the council, sets the vision for Auckland, and is the ambassador for Auckland to the rest of New Zealand and the world.
The councillor(s) for your ward represent you in council. With the mayor, they make decisions on the big issues – like transport, building laws and the environment.
You also get to vote for members of your local board. Local boards make big decisions that affect your area, and fund the things you love, like community events and local parks.
3. Get out and vote!
Local elections are held by postal vote. You will receive your voting paper in the mail, at the address you have enrolled at, between 16 and 21 September.
Look out for the envelope (pictured below). You have until noon on 8 October 2016 to vote by post or at a ballot box.
To find out the locations of post boxes and ballot boxes, visitshowyourlove.co.nz, drop in to a council service centre or library, or call 09 301 0101.
Still not sure if you can vote?
- If you are 18 and a New Zealand resident you can vote. You don’t need to be a New Zealand citizen.
- Your vote is private. No one will see who you voted for.
- You need to be enrolled to vote.