Hutt City Council has confirmed the candidate nominations for the 2025 local elections.

Fifty candidates have been nominated across roles for mayor, Council and community boards.

Of surprise was the number of Council positions that will be uncontested. Five seats around the Council table have been filled without requiring an election.

Electoral Officer Bruce Hodgins says, "Nominations are down on previous elections, but all positions have been filled.

"Along with voting on the two referendums on the ballot, we encourage all eligible voters to get involved and have their say on who will lead our city."

Where the number of candidates exceeds the number of vacancies, elections will be held. Where the number of candidates matches the number of vacancies, those candidates are elected unopposed.

The full list of candidates may be found here.

Elections will be held for the following roles:

• Mayor - 4 candidates
• Council - At Large (5 vacancies) - 11 candidates
• Western Ward (1 vacancy) - 2 candidates
• Central Ward (2 vacancies) - 6 candidates
• Wainuiomata Community Board (6 vacancies) - 13 candidates

The following candidates will be elected unopposed:

• Harbour Ward (1 vacancy): Tui Lewis
• Northern Ward (2 vacancies): Andy Mitchell, Naomi Shaw
• Wainuiomata Ward (1 vacancy): Keri Brown
• Mana Kairangi ki Tai Māori Ward (1 vacancy): Te Awa Puketapu
• Eastbourne Community Board (5 vacancies): Jeremy Chaston, Murray Gibbons, Ben Hainsworth, Emily Keddell, Bruce Spedding

Voting papers will be mailed from 8 September and must be returned by 12 noon, Saturday 11 October. All enrolled voters will receive ballot papers for the local election, Māori Ward referendum, and non-binding amalgamation referendum.

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