Hutt City Council is reminding potential candidates that nominations for the 2025 local elections close at noon on Friday 1 August.

"We’ve started to see more nominations coming in, and we know some people take time to consider their decision," says Bruce Hodgins, Hutt City Council Electoral Officer.

"If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to act."

To date, 14 nominations have been received for mayor, councillor and community board roles, however 10 out of 11 vacancies remain open for the Wainuiomata and Eastbourne Community Boards.

Standing for election is a meaningful way to represent your community and be part of shaping the future of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt. Council is encouraging nominations from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities.

To help ensure your nomination is accepted, candidates are strongly advised not to leave it to the last minute. Submitting early gives time to check that everything is complete and correct.

"There’s still time to stand, and if you’re passionate about making a real difference for your community, we’d love to see your name on the ballot," says Hodgins.

Who can stand for election?

To stand, you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen
• Be enrolled to vote
• Be nominated by two people who are also enrolled in Lower Hutt
• Complete an official nomination form
• Pay a $200 deposit (refunded if no election is required, or if the candidate polls more than 25 percent of the vote received by the lowest successful candidate)

Where to get more information:

• Candidate handbook and nomination details: www.hutt.city/elections
• What roles and are up for election and the referendums on the ballot: https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/council/elections/2025-local-government-elections/2025-election-information
• List of confirmed nominations: https://www.electionz.com/LGENominations/2025/ELT46HU25_candidates.htm

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