QLDC's Full Council Meeting is now LIVE on our YouTube channel. A recording will also be made available soon after the meeting concludes.

Elections

Ko kā kōwhirika pōti

Every three years a local body election is held on the second Saturday in October. The next local body election is Saturday 11 October 2025. 

Quick links

Election notices

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Election dates

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Election events

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Considering standing for election?

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Nominations for the 2025 Local Body Elections

Nominations and candidate profiles for those standing in the 2025 Local Body Elections.

Past elections

Results from previous elections and by-elections.

Pre-election reports

Published every 3 years ahead of an election

Voting

Make sure you know how to have your say.
Notice of 2025 Triennial Local Authority Elections (PDF, 151.83Kb) Further Notice of Election (PDF, 177.15Kb) Ratepayer Roll: Public Notice May 2025 [Taituarā] (PDF, 229.45Kb)

Election dates

The important dates to be aware of for this year's local body elections:

  • Nominations open: Friday 4 July

  • Nominations close: 12.00pm, Friday 1 August

  • Election papers delivered: Tuesday 9 September - Monday 22 September

  • Voting period: Tuesday 9 September - 12.00pm, Saturday 11 October

Not sure where you can vote? Check out the below image!

QLDC Elections Cast Your Highest Vote Social Graphics Aug25 VOTING MAP

Election events

Event

Date/Time

Location

Host

Battle for the Mayor's Chair

Tuesday 26 August, 5.30pm

Queenstown Memorial Centre

Queenstown Chambers of Commerce

Arrowtown-Kawarau Candidates Evening

Thursday 28 August, 7.00pm

Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall

APVA & AVA

Mayoral Candidates Forum

Thursday 4 September, 6.30pm

Wakatipu High School

Catalyst Trust

Mayoral Debate

Tuesday 16 September, 7.00pm

TBC

Wānaka Business Chamber of Commerce

QLDC Mayoral Election Debate

Monday 22 September, 7.00pm

Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall

APBA & AVA

Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward Candidates Evening

Wednesday 17 September, 7.00pm

Queenstown Golf Club

KPCA

Standing for election?

Every three years you get the chance to stand for election, either as a councillor, the mayor or as a community board member. Being elected gives you direct responsibility for making decisions that are important for current and future communities and it's a chance to make a difference.

Candidate Information Event

A free Candidate Information Event to find out what being a councillor is all about was held on Thursday 17 July at QLDC Council Chambers.

You can see a recording of this event below.


You’ll learn about how Council is structured, the role and responsibilities of elected members, the skills required, expected time commitments, meeting schedules, and the nomination and election process.

LGNZ Resources

Don’t let a lack of local government experience or knowledge put you off. LGNZ offers plenty of support for people wanting to throw their hat in the ring. If you care about your community and want to contribute, why not give it a shot? 

You can find out more about standing for election on the LGNZ website. 

Their website include information such as:

  • Local Government explained

  • Councils in Aotearoa

  • Local elections and voting

  • How to get involved

There are also resources such as candidate guidance. 

Candidates Security

The Department of Internal Affairs has developed guidance with other agencies on candidate security for local government elections. It is important that all candidates understand and consider the potential risks related to privacy, cyber security, personal security and foreign interference that may arise due to election related activities.

The security advice in this document has been put together to provide visibility of potential privacy and security issues, and to explain mitigations that can be put in place.

Visit the Vote Local website for more information.

Related Content

Find out about election signage

If you're standing as a candidate in an upcoming election and want to put up signs, find out what the local rules are for the district

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Find out more about elections

Everything you need to know about local body elections from the Electoral Commission

LGNZ Youth Voting Programme

Find out about the Ngā Pōti ā-Taiohi - Youth Voting initiative for 11-15 year old students