2025 New Zealand local elections
BackgroundIn 2023, the newly-formed Sixth National Government and its coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First pledged to "restore the right of local referendum on the establishment or ongoing use of Māori wards and constituencies."[2][3] Under the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024, referenda will be held in 43 of the 45 local councils that had introduced Māori wards following the 2021 law change.[4][5][6] Two councils, the Kaipara District Council and the Upper Hutt City Council, had voted to disestablish their Māori wards rather than holding referenda.[7][8] ElectionsRegional councilsThe regions of New Zealand are governed by regional councils as the first tier of local government.
Unitary authoritiesUnitary authorities are local government entities that have the powers of both a territorial authority and those of a regional council. There are currently five unitary authorities. The Chatham Islands have a unique, separately-legislated council that has almost all the powers of a unitary authority.
Territorial authoritiesThe various urban, suburban, and rural districts of New Zealand are governed by territorial authorities as the second tier of local government. Tauranga will not hold elections due to having already held elections in 2024.[28][29]
MayorsAll territorial authorities (including unitary authorities) directly elect mayors.
Local boardsAfter the conglomeration of the various councils situated within the Auckland Region, local boards were created to deal with more local issues.
Community boardsElections will also be held for 110 community boards, which have been set up by 40 of the territorial authorities under Part 4 of the Local Government Act 2002 to represent the interests of particular communities within those territories.[92][93] Licensing trustsElections will also be held for 14 licensing trusts, which are community-owned companies with government-authorised monopolies on the development of premises licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages and associated accommodation in an area:
Referenda
See alsoNotesReferences
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