Highest Vote underway: voting in 2025 local elections now open

Residents across the Queenstown Lakes District can now cast their all-important votes in the 2025 local elections.

Voting opens today, Tuesday 9 September, and runs until 12 noon on Saturday 11 October. Residents will be voting for the elected positions of Mayor, Councillors, and Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board members, with these positions representing their communities and shaping the future of the district. 

This year’s ‘Highest Vote’ campaign is encouraging the community to get involved, help lift voter turnout above previous years, and have a bit of fun by dropping their vote in at one of 17 voting bins across the district.

The bright orange voting bin locations include unique high-altitude places such as Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, and a special one-day-only voting bin at the Crown Range Lookout on Friday 10 October, the highest and most scenic voting box in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Voting papers will be delivered by post to all enrolled voters in the coming days. To have your say, complete your papers and return them by mail or to one of the district’s voting bins before voting closes.

For anyone who isn’t currently enrolled, or if voting papers don’t get delivered, it’s still possible to cast a special vote. It’s a bit more paperwork for you but worthwhile in making sure your voice is heard in deciding who leads the district for the next three years. To make a special vote please visit the QLDC offices at 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown or 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Both offices will be open on the morning of Saturday, 11 October until noon for any last-minute special votes or dropping off voting papers. 

For general information on local elections and how to vote visit https://vote.nz/ 

For a full list of local candidates and their profiles and videos, visit the QLDC website: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/elections/2025-nominations/    

Full list of voting bin locations

• Vote by post or drop your papers at a voting bin near you, including iconic high-altitude ballot boxes up at Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone.

• One-day-only: Crown Range Lookout on Friday 10 October.

Queenstown locations

• PAK’nSAVE.

• Woolworths.

• New World.

• The Warehouse.

Upper Clutha locations

• New World Three Parks.

• New World Wānaka.

• Hāwea Store and Kitchen.

• Treble Cone Ski Field ticket area (while open).

• Cardrona Alpine Resort ticket office (while open).

Council venues

• Frankton Library.

• Arrowtown Library.

• Wānaka Library.

• Queenstown Library.

• Queenstown Events Centre.

• Queenstown Council Office (10 Gorge Road).

• Wānaka Council Office (47 Ardmore Street).

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.