Stand

Local Elections

Standing as a candidate in the 2025 local elections is an opportunity to become involved in Timaru District’s future in the most direct way possible.

Nominations for all positions open on Friday 4 July 2025 and close at 12 noon on Friday 1 August 2025. 

We strongly recommend that nominations are not left to the last minute to allow for the candidate to correct any errors or issues. Please read the associated candidate information booklet/information before completing your nomination paper.

Nomination Papers

Candidates must be nominated by two people, both of whom need to sign the nomination form. Candidates cannot nominate themselves for office.

District, Regional Councils and Community Boards

Nominators for candidates on district and regional councils, or for community boards must be on either the residential or ratepayer roll for the district or subdivision of the district (for example, ward, community board or constituency) in which the candidate is standing.

Geraldine Licensing Trust

Nominators of Trust candidates must be registered residential electors in the Trust's area.

Information for candidates

Prospective candidates are encouraged to read the Candidate Information Booklets. These are available below, or from:

  • Timaru District Council Main office and Service Centres
  • Contact the Electoral Officer 03 687 7200/ elections@timdc.govt.nz

Candidate Information Booklets/Information

Latest versions of Candidate Information Booklets are included below. Please note, these may be updated so please check here for the latest version.

All elections (Updated 18 July)

Note: any election signs/ hoardings may only be erected from Saturday 30 August 2025, being six weeks prior to election day. A previous version of this Candidate Handbook included one mention of an incorrect date (23 August).

Pre-Election Report

Council is required by law to prepare a neutral pre-election report every three years in the lead-up to local body elections. It is designed to promote informed discussion in the lead up to the local body elections in October. The report is prepared by the Chief Executive independently of the Mayor and Councillors.

Environment Canterbury

Go to the Environment Canterbury website

Geraldine Licensing Trust

Candidate Information Meeting

A Candidate Information meeting providing information for prospective candidates was held on Monday 23 June 2025 from 6pm in the Council Chambers at 2 King George Place, Timaru.

Presentations from 2025 and a recording of the meeting is available below:

Other information and links

General Guide to Local Government

This candidate's guide to local government, published by Local Government NZ, gives general information about local government, the roles of elected members, the skills and qualities needed, how to nominate someone, how the election process works and key dates.

Victoria University Local Elections webinar (2022)

Victoria University held a webinar in 2022 for those who are thinking of running for election to your local authority to help you understand what the role involves and how you can develop their skills to fulfil it. The webinar is a valuable introduction to the role they will play and the challenges they will face.

Introductory Video by Dr Verna Smith, Senior Lecturer, School of Government

More information can be found in this document: 

Other Links

Candidate Requests for Council Information

Candidates may wish to seek official Council information about particular substantive topics for campaigning purposes, e.g. the Caroline Bay Masterplan. Contact meghan.taylor@timdc.govt.nz to request this (for any election logistic matters, e.g. voting, nominations, candidates, continue to contact elections@timdc.govt.nz).

It may be treated as a request for information under the LGOIMA depending on the nature of the request. The information will also be made available here if it is not already publicly available.

Campaigning summary

Please read the Candidate Handbook for all information relating to campaigning.

Candidates standing for election to a local authority can start campaigning at any time and can continue up to and including polling day, provided the rules set out in Local Electoral Act 2001 and the Local Electoral Regulations are complied with. All campaigning material must include an authorisation. Election signs may only be erected from 30 August 2025, as per Council's Election Signage Policy.

Campaign expenses incurred by or on behalf of candidates during the three months before polling day (the applicable period) must be included in the candidate's electoral expenses return.

The Geraldine Licensing Trust donations and expenses return form will be posted here once available.

Election Protocols

These documents outline expectations and requirements for how incumbent elected members and Council staff are to conduct themselves in the run-up to the local elections.

Last updated: 18 Jul 2025