The Whakatāne Local Elections 2025 will be held on Saturday, 11 October 2025. Every three years, residents and ratepayers get the opportunity to vote for the Mayor and Councillors who will represent our community on the Whakatāne District Council.
Make sure you are enrolled and ready to vote.
Mark the date: Election Day – Saturday, 11 October 2025
Voting period: 9 September – 11 October 2025
For more information and to view Local Nominations - click here
More Information
How to Vote in Whakatāne
Voting papers are sent by mail, so it is important that you are enrolled at the correct address before voting begins.
Every vote matters. Your participation is a stand for Whakatāne’s future.
Postal Voting – Whakatāne District
All Whakatāne District Council elections are conducted by postal vote using the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system.
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Voting documents will be delivered by post between 9–22 September 2025.
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Complete your voting papers and return them in the pre-paid return envelope.
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To ensure your vote is counted, it is recommended to post it by Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
Where to Return Your Vote
Completed voting papers can be returned in two ways:
By Post
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Post your voting envelope anywhere in New Zealand before 7 October 2025.
By Mobile Voting Bin (by 12 noon, Saturday 11 October 2025)
Drop off your completed documents at:
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Whakatāne District Council Service Centre, 14 Commerce Street, Whakatāne
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Murupara Library & Service Centre, 48 Pine Drive, Murupara
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Edgecumbe Library, 38 College Road, Edgecumbe
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Ōhope Library, 4 Harbour Road, Ōhope
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Whakatāne Library & Exhibition Centre, 49 Kākahoroa Drive, Whakatāne
Special Votes in Whakatāne
If you did not receive your voting papers, are away during the voting period, or need to update your enrolment details, you may be eligible for a special vote.
Special voting is available from Tuesday, 9 September until 12 noon, Saturday, 11 October 2025 at:
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Whakatāne District Council Service Centre, 14 Commerce Street
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Murupara Library & Service Centre, 48 Pine Drive
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By phoning the electoral office on 0800 922 822
Special votes require a statutory declaration and proof of identity and address.
Whakatāne Local Election Candidates 2025
Nominations for the Whakatāne District Council elections 2025 have now closed, and the official list of candidates is confirmed.
A big acknowledgement goes to everyone who has put their name forward to represent the Whakatāne community. Standing for Council requires commitment and heart, and each candidate deserves recognition for stepping up.
Key Dates – Whakatāne Local Elections 2025
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Voting documents delivered: 9–22 September 2025
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Postal vote recommended deadline: Tuesday, 7 October 2025
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Voting closes: 12 noon, Saturday, 11 October 2025