Voting papers have been delivered so it’s time for residents to make a call on who they want to make the big decisions in Taranaki.

There are 19 candidates standing for Taranaki Regional Council in four constituencies. The Māori Constituency candidate has been reelected unopposed.

Voters have until 12 noon on 11 October to make their choice and pick who will shape the region for the next three years.

The Council’s mission is to protect the environment and its work programmes include freshwater management, flood protection, biodiversity and biosecurity, caring for three regional gardens and providing public transport.

Chief Executive Steve Ruru says: “There are some major decisions to be made over the next three years around the Council table so it’s vital we get as many people taking part in the elections as possible and residents know who they are voting for.

"By having your say and casting your vote, you’ll be picking the people representing you and making the calls about where your rates money should be spent and what our priorities for taking the region forward should be.”

Māori Constituency referendum

Under the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024 we are required to hold a binding referendum alongside this year’s election.

The Taranaki Māori constituency, for electors on the Māori roll, was brought in in 2022 after public consultation and will be in place for the 2025 election.

Electors have a ‘yes’ and ‘no’ box on their voting papers to decide whether to keep or not to keep the Taranaki Māori constituency for the 2028 local elections and future elections

Special votes

For those not yet enrolled and who did not receive voting documents in the post, they can cast a special vote at the New Plymouth, Stratford or South Taranaki district council offices or email Election Services specialvotes@electionservices.co.nz or phone 0800 922 822 for a special vote to be posted out.

Council ready to meet challenges ahead

The completion of the Stadium Taranaki project, new in-depth reports on environmental issues and the flagship riparian scheme hitting 8.25 million plants were among the key achievements for Taranaki Regional Council in the last financial year.

The 2024/25 Annual Report, which was adopted at the Ordinary Council meeting on 16 September, also details how the Council is responding to challenges and evolving legislative changes while still delivering value-for-money services for 130,000 residents in the region.

“It’s been a momentous year for the Council not least because we achieved our goal of creating the best regional stadium in the country with the full reopening of Stadium Taranaki,” says Chair Craig Williamson.

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