Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election. Explore their policies and see how closely they align with your own views and priorities.

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Start by selecting a broad policy topic that you’re interested in exploring.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

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Narrow your selection by choosing a specific area within your chosen topic. Select the policies you want to explore, pick your favourites and view your results when you’re ready.

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  • Be transparent and timely with decision making and engage the community in the process.

  • Engage and inform the community around local issues with the aim to increase residents' satisfaction.

  • Support aims and initiatives to increase voter turnout in local body elections.

  • Encourage participation in governance by promoting local boards meetings.

  • Enhance public engagement by regularly consulting residents through encouraging an open-door policy.

  • Increase transparency and accountability by reporting openly on decisions and spending.

  • Ensure community consultation is part of all community projects and that excellent ideas from the community are noted and acted upon.

  • Ensure decision making has high transparency across council and community board and that councillors and board members are all accountable.

  • Maintain or strengthen the current level of council engagement with Ngāi Tahu, recognising much has been gained from this relationship.

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.

Mayor

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Local council

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Regional council

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Local board

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