Wellington City Council by-election 2026

The story so far

Wellington City councillor Tony Randle, who represented Takapū/Northern Ward, died unexpectedly in August 2026, and politicians paid tribute to him.^{9, 13 Aug} A public memorial service was scheduled at Tākina, and a by-election to fill his seat was expected later in the year.^{13 Aug} Labour MP Greg O'Connor indicated he might stand in the by-election, with Andrew Little publicly backing him.^{24 Aug} The by-election for the Takapū/Northern Ward was set for 11 December, with voting by post and ballot packs mailed from 9 November.^{3 Sep}

Latest

Greg O'Connor was elected unopposed as the new Wellington City councillor, filling the seat.^{1 Oct} The winner of the by-election serves the rest of the 2025–2028 council term.^{3 Sep}

Key moments

1. 9 AugCouncillor Tony Randle dies unexpectedly; tributes begin.
2. 13 AugMemorial service scheduled; by-election expected later this year.
3. 24 AugLabour MP Greg O'Connor says he may stand.
4. 3 SepBy-election set for 11 December, with postal voting.
5. 1 OctGreg O'Connor elected unopposed as new councillor.

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