Care for Kāpiti, stand for Council

Up for a challenge? Show you care for Kāpiti by standing for Kāpiti Coast District Council in this year’s local elections.

The Council is calling on those with the passion, dedication and energy to give back to the community and take the leap into local government. 

The candidate nomination period is open now for one mayor, two districtwide councillors, one Māori ward councillor, seven general ward councillors and 20 community board members. Completed nomination forms must be received by midday on 1 August 2025.

Chief Executive Darren Edwards says being on Council or a Community Board is an exciting challenge and a genuine way of shaping the future of the Kāpiti Coast District.

“The most important quality that someone can bring to the Council table is that they care about this place and its people,” Mr Edwards says.

“Council mahi covers a huge range of issues so there is a lot to get your head around, there are tough decisions to weigh up and make, important relationships to build and, yes, quite a bit of reading. It’s not an easy job but hopefully a rewarding one.

 “If you’ve got that foundation of care, you can make a real difference to the future of our district.

“We need people from all walks of life and those people to be able to work together to make decisions in the best interests of the entire district. There’s a whole lot of training available for those who get elected. Our message is don’t be shy, care for Kāpiti and get involved.”

Mr Edwards says a good place to start for those thinking about standing is Council’s Pre-election Report, which provides a succinct overview of its recent past and a look ahead. This report is available to read online now.

 “The Pre-election Report provides a summary of major projects and finances, and outlines the major challenges facing our district and the role of Council in addressing these. It's essential reading for those looking to stand and voters alike.”

Like everyone, Council is facing significant cost pressures which must be balanced with the need to invest in building our future resilience.

“We’re a growing community living in a coastal area – those two factors alone require us to think and plan carefully for the future,” Mr Edwards says.

“There are a host of other challenges – and opportunities – to consider as well.

 “If you care for Kāpiti, work well with others and would like the opportunity to shape the future of our district, please think seriously about standing in this year’s elections.”

 Visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/vote2025 to find nomination forms and the Pre-election Report. Nomination forms are also available from Council’s Paraparaumu service centre.

Key dates for local elections 2025

Enrol

Enrol by 1 August - not enrolled by 1 August? You can still vote, but you need to enrol and cast a special vote.

If you wish to be on the Māori roll in this year’s election, please change rolls by 11 July at vote.nz.

Stand

Nominations open 4 July and close 1 August at noon exactly. Nominations can be done via our online portal, by downloading nominations forms, or picking them up from Council service centres or libraries. Completed forms need to be returned in person to Kāpiti Coast District Council’s main office at 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu.

Our electoral officer and Council staff will also be offering opportunities to hear from them directly at candidate information sessions in July, which will be held on the following dates:

Online webinar

•  Wednesday 9 July 2025, 5:30pm

Please register through our website ahead of time to ensure you can access Zoom and our webinar when it starts

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_leSnmChYTr6CSNVMVC4WXQ

The webinar will be recorded and added to our website 2-3 working days.

In person, Paraparaumu (two sessions)

•  Saturday 19 July 2025, 10am
• Saturday 19 July 2025, 2pm

No need to register

Council Chambers, Ground Floor
175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu

 Vote

• from Friday 9–Monday 22 September - delivery of voting documents
• 12 noon, Saturday 11 October - close of voting
• Postal votes need to be in the post by 7 October to reach our Electoral Officer in time for your vote to count
• Friday 17–Saturday 18 October - declaration of results