Record number of candidates in Kāpiti deserves record number of voters

A record number of 87 candidates are vying for 31 Kāpiti Coast District Council and Community Board positions in this year’s local elections.

Council Group Manager Corporate Services Mark de Haast says 25 more people than for the 2022 local elections have put their names forward to represent Kāpiti Coast residents this year.

“Local government can only succeed if people who care for their communities are prepared to serve so it’s great to see that so many have put themselves forward as candidates to govern the district for the next three years,” says Mr De Haast.

“With more candidates than vacancies, an election will go ahead on Saturday 11 October 2025 for all elected roles.”

This includes:

• 1 x mayor - six candidates
• 2 x districtwide councillors - nine candidates
• 1 x Ōtaki general ward councillor – five candidates
• 2 x Waikanae general ward councillors - nine candidates
• 3 x Paraparaumu general ward councillors - 11 candidates
• 1 x Paekākāriki-Raumati general ward councillor – three candidates
• 1 x Kapiti Coast Māori ward councillor – six candidates

There are also 38 candidates running for one of the four positions on each of the five Community Boards.

See the full list of candidates and their profiles.

Council is hosting a Mayoral Debate on Monday 22 September and running Meet the Candidate events across the district from 22 September to 1 October, giving voters a chance to meet their candidates in person and to make an informed decision.

“Your vote matters, so we encourage you to make do your homework and put questions to your candidates,” says Mr de Haast.

This year, all eligible voters will also participate in Council’s Māori ward and Greater Wellington’s constituency polls. This is due to a change in legislation in 2024 which requires councils that established a Māori ward or constituency without a poll to now hold a poll at the same time as the 2025 local government election.

The outcome of that poll will determine the future of the Māori ward whether it remains in place for the 2028 and 2031 local elections. The poll is binding. 

Regardless of the outcome of the poll, the Kapiti Coast Māori ward will be in place for the 2025-2028 triennium with a Māori ward councillor seated at the Council table.

Mr de Haast says voting starts earlier this year with voting documents being sent to enrolled voters from Tuesday 9 September to cater for the postal service.

“Votes need to be returned by 12 noon on Saturday 11 October, but if you’re mailing them back, please do so by 7 October at the latest.

“It would be fantastic to see a high voter turnout this year to reflect the high number of candidates.”

If people are eligible to vote but didn’t enrol before Friday 1 August, they will need to cast a ‘special vote’. Forms can be requested by calling 0800 486 486 or an electoral officer can issue one at our Council Offices on Rimu Road, Paraparaumu from 9 September until close of voting on 11 October at noon. From 4 October to 11 October 2025 noon, electoral officers will also be available to issue special votes at Ōtaki library.