Every three years, you are given the opportunity to shape the future of your city.
The upcoming local elections will run from Tuesday, 9 September 2025, through to 12 noon on Saturday, 11 October 2025, and are conducted via postal vote.
Locally, you will help choose your Ward Councillor, currently Cr. Mike Lee, and seven Waitemata Local Board Members who will represent you.
Local Democracy Is Where Real Impact Happens
No level of government is more directly involved in your daily life than your local council. The mayor, councillors, and local board members make decisions on essential matters like:
· Protecting our heritage and character
· Retaining weekly rubbish collections
· Stopping wasteful spending
· Reliable public transport
· Ensuring a safe and clean city
· Care for our environment and parks
· Support for local businesses and so much more.
By casting your vote, you help guide how rates are used, what development occurs, and how well services meet the needs of your community. Local voices are heard when people vote.
Voting Shapes Your Future — Don’t Leave It to Others
Auckland is a city undergoing rapid change. Projects like the City Rail Link and major stormwater upgrades are reshaping how people live, move and work.
If you care about how your neighbourhood looks, how affordable your city is, or whether it remains sustainable and connected, voting is your most effective tool.
Be sure to make your voice count. If only a narrow slice of the population votes, then council decisions could reflect those narrow interests. By voting, you help make the council more reflective of the communities it serves.
Your Vote Holds Elected Officials Accountable
Local democracy ensures voters can hold elected officials accountable. By paying attention to candidate policies and track records, and by casting your vote, you’re sending a clear message: the community is watching, and decisions matter.
Candidates who know they are being held accountable are more likely to act transparently, engage with the community, and honour their campaign promises.
Voting Is Simple, Accessible and Empowering
Voting in Auckland’s local elections is easy. Ballot papers are sent to your home between 9-22 September. You can complete your vote in your own time and drop it into a voting box or send it back via post.
You don’t need to be an expert on every issue. Candidate information is mailed out and available online, so you can learn about who’s standing in your area and what they stand for. A small amount of time spent reviewing candidate profiles can lead to informed, confident voting.
Voting is empowering. It’s how you show up for your community and take part in shaping its direction. You don’t need to wait for change — voting is your opportunity to create it.
Post your vote or Drop off your vote
You should post your completed vote using any New Zealand Post box by Tuesday 7 October 2025 so it can reach us before 12 noon on election day, Saturday 11 October 2025. There will be a number of locations throughout the Auckland where you can drop off your completed voting paper. This includes some libraries, supermarkets and transport stations.
Voting in the upcoming Auckland Council elections is more than a civic responsibility — it’s a way to shape the future of your city. I’m standing to be elected on the C&R ticket; we have a proven track record of quality governance and listening to the people. For more information on our team visit www.c-r.nz/wards/waitemata-and-gulf
Email Sarah Trotman at sarahtrotman@outlook.com To contact her, in her capacity as an Elected Member of Auckland Council’s Waitematā Local Board, email her at sarah.trotman@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or you can give her a call on 021 487 583.
Sarah Trotman, ONZM: VOTE! Make Your Voice Count
