Local elections 2025

The story so far

Early in the voting period, more than 622,000 votes had been returned, just over 18 per cent of eligible voters, ahead of the same stage in 2022.^{3 Oct 2025} With less than two days left, turnout in Auckland and Christchurch was behind 2022 levels, with Auckland at 21.9 per cent, while Wellington was marginally ahead.^{10 Oct 2025} Final turnout was just over 32 per cent, a decline from 2022, and Local Government New Zealand called for urgent changes.^{13 Oct 2025} Turnout of 32.65 per cent was the lowest in 32 years, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was open to the Electoral Commission running future local elections.^{13 Oct 2025}

Latest

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said he is open to the Electoral Commission running future local elections, and that discussions on this have already begun.^{13 Oct 2025} Turnout was reported at 32.65 per cent, the lowest in 32 years.^{13 Oct 2025}

What's next

Official results were expected on Friday, with final results due the following week.^{11 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 3 Oct 2025Early returns reached over 622,000 votes, ahead of the same stage in 2022.
2. 10 Oct 2025Auckland turnout stood at 21.9 per cent, behind 2022 levels with two days left.
3. 11 Oct 2025Polls closed for more than 1,500 positions across 78 councils nationwide.
4. 11 Oct 2025Some high-profile mayors were reportedly re-elected on election night.
5. 13 Oct 2025Final turnout fell to just over 32 per cent, down from 2022.
6. 13 Oct 2025Local Government New Zealand said urgent changes were needed after the low turnout.
7. 13 Oct 2025Turnout of 32.65 per cent was the lowest in 32 years.
8. 13 Oct 2025Luxon said he was open to the Electoral Commission running future local elections.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.