Residents of Great Barrier Island considering a run for the local board in this year’s Auckland Council elections can now attend dedicated drop-in sessions to learn what’s involved and how to get started.
Two in-person candidate information sessions will be held at the Great Barrier Local Board office, 81 Hector Sanderson Road, on the following dates:
Monday 19 May 2025, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Monday 26 May 2025, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The sessions are part of a wider Auckland Council initiative to support potential candidates across the region and are open to anyone interested in standing for the 2025 local elections. Council staff and election experts will be available to answer questions about the nomination process, campaigning, candidate requirements, and how local boards work.
What it means to stand on the Barrier
The Great Barrier Local Board is one of the most distinct in the region. Representing a remote island with unique environmental and infrastructure challenges, board members play a key role in advocating for residents, protecting the local environment, and helping guide the island’s development and services.
Local board members make decisions on community projects, funding allocations, parks and reserves, public facilities, and feedback on regional issues. For a place like Aotea, the board is often the loudest—and only—local voice within Auckland Council.
There are no prerequisites for standing as a candidate, aside from being over 18, a New Zealand citizen, and enrolled to vote. You don’t need to live on the island to run, although candidates must declare their place of residence. You’ll need two nominators who are enrolled voters in the area, and a $200 nomination fee is required.
Nominations officially open on 4 July 2025 and close at 12 noon on 1 August 2025. Campaigning can begin before nominations open, but campaign signs may only go up from 12:01am on 9 August 2025.
A platform for candidates
To help islanders make an informed choice, AoteaGBI.news will offer all local board candidates the chance to publish a position statement or short profile during the election period. This will allow each candidate to outline their priorities, views, and goals for the island.
With low voter turnout a persistent issue in local elections, putting your name forward—and clearly stating your position—is a key part of engaging the community. As Auckland Council notes, “One of the main reasons people do not vote in local elections is they do not know enough about the candidates and their views.”
If you’re considering standing, now is the time to start planning your campaign, talking to locals, and understanding how local board decisions shape daily life on Aotea. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a newcomer with ideas, the 2025 elections are a chance to have a say in the island’s future.
To get started, attend one of the drop-in sessions or visit voteauckland.co.nz. You can also email Auckland’s Electoral Office at info@electionservices.co.nz for more information.
Key 2025 Local Election Dates
16–22 October 2025 – Official results declared
4 July 2025 – Candidate nominations open
1 August 2025 (12 noon) – Nominations close
6 August 2025 – Public notice of candidate names
9 August 2025 (12:01am) – Campaign signs allowed
9–22 September 2025 – Voting documents delivered
7 October 2025 – Last day to post your vote
11 October 2025 (12 noon) – Election Day
