Nominations for the Local Elections 2025 open across the country today, so you can now stand to represent your community.

Nomination forms for Timaru District Council and Geraldine Licensing Trust are available online and from the Timaru District Council and Geraldine and Temuka Library and Service Centres.

Nominations can be made in person at the Timaru District Council building or via email. They need to be submitted by 12 noon on 1 August.

Postal voting takes place through September and October, with voting closing at 12 noon on 11 October.

Deputy Electoral Officer Stephen Doran said that while standing for election can seem like a daunting process, it’s reasonably straightforward and staff are there to help.

“Standing for your council is one of the most positive things you can do for your community, and electoral staff are there to make the process as straightforward as possible.

“If you’ve been thinking of standing, but aren’t sure where to start, the candidate information booklet provides valuable information about what’s involved in putting in your nomination as well as what comes next if you are elected.

“We’ve also got a recording and presentation from the Candidate Information Evening, which was held last month.

“There are some checks and information that needs supplied, so to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible we recommend that you don’t leave it to the last minute to put in the nomination.”

Candidates for the council positions do not need to live within the Timaru District Council election area but must be a New Zealand citizen and enrolled as a New Zealand parliamentary elector.

Every candidate needs two nominators, who must be enrolled as electors of Timaru District Council for the election area selected. For example, while the candidate for the Pleasant Point Temuka Ward doesn’t need to be enrolled at an address within the ward area, those nominating the candidate need to.

Nominations for the following positions are now open:

Timaru District Council

• Mayor
• Council (9 Councillors):
  • Geraldine Ward – 1 Councillor
  • Pleasant Point-Temuka Ward – 2 Councillors
  • Timaru Ward – 6 Councillors
• Geraldine Community Board - 6 Members
• Pleasant Point Community Board – 5 Members
• Temuka Community Board – 5 Members

Geraldine Licensing Trust

• 6 Members

More information about Local Elections 2025 including standing or enrolling, as well as nomination forms and candidate information can be found at https://www.timaru.govt.nz/elections