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.

Choose a topic to compare

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.

Choose an area to explore and policies

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.

Use this toggle to hide/show party names and focus on the policy positions

  • Develop an easily operated free district information display website of rotating council and community information.

  • Launch a local economic development plan for residents, businesses, farmers, organisations and sectors to map out how to improve the district.

  • Promote regular low-cost focus group research of residents involving community boards and key local social groups.

  • Focus on communication and consultation with the community as very important. The Local Water done Well letter gave us 97.3% thumbs up.

  • Maintain well organised management. Our staff have 93% approval for the CEO and work hard to comply with government law with full transparency.

  • Support regular meetings between the mayor and CEO with local Iwi to maintain a great understanding of their particular needs.

  • Encourage the CEO to lead, manage and develop the council staff to achieve positive outcomes and deliveries within budgets and timeframes.

  • Stop any wasteful spending by looking for efficiencies and savings to always achieve good value from rates.

  • Support local governance with strong leadership, accountability, diversity and community consultation and support.

  • Commit to genuine community consultation before major spending decisions.

  • Improve transparency by making council processes and data easier to access.

  • Review internal operations to boost efficiency without cutting essential services.

  • Commit to weekly drop-in sessions around the district for residents to have access to elected members.

  • Encourage Māori to stand for election in office in the district.

  • Make balanced decisions that reflect meeting the needs of today and the aspirations of generations to come.

  • Continue to attract the best practitioners into council positions and contracts through excellent recruitment and tendering processes.

  • Ensure meaningful engagement and consultation with the community on issues that impact them and listen and act on what they are saying.

  • Spend on the non-negotiable, legally required items first and then carefully consider whether or not to spend on non-essential nice to haves.

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

Compare the mayoral candidates in your area

Local council

Compare the candidates for your city or district council

Regional council

Compare the candidates for your regional council

Local board

Compare the candidates for your local or community board