Voting is now open for the 2025 Local Elections, and voters across the district are encouraged to have their say in shaping the future of their communities.

Voter packs are being delivered by post and should begin arriving in mailboxes over the next week. Voting is conducted by postal vote, and completed voting papers must be posted back by Monday 7 October 2025 to ensure they can be counted.

Voting is easy, you just need to put your completed voting form in the orange return envelope ensuring the return address is visible and drop it in any NZ Post or DX Mailbox.

For those who prefer to vote in person, you can drop off your completed voting papers during opening hours at the following locations:

• TDC Office, 2 King George Place, Timaru
• CBay
• Timaru Library
• Temuka Library and Service Centre
• Geraldine Library and Service Centre

Or you can also drop off any time in the after-hours mailbox on the front of the TDC office building.

If you are on the unpublished roll, have lost your voting paper or they never arrived, or you’ve recently moved, you will need to cast a special vote.  You can do so in person at:

• Geraldine Library and Service Centre
• Temuka Library and Service Centre
• TDC  Office, 2 King George Place, Timaru.

These locations are open Monday to Friday for special voting.

“Local elections are your chance to influence the decisions that directly affect your neighbourhood — from parks and libraries to transport and planning,” said Stephen Doran, Deputy Electoral Officer.

“It’s easier than ever to cast your vote. There are nearly 50 mailboxes throughout the district where you can drop off your vote, and we’ve got voting bins available at our main venues, with a new voting bin added at CBay for the first time.

“Every vote counts, and your voice matters in building the kind of community you want to live in.”

Voting papers will begin arriving in people’s mailboxes from today until 22 September. If your voting papers haven’t arrived by 22 September, please come in to cast a special vote.

For more information about the election, visit Timaru.govt.nz/elections