2022 - Local elections

​Local body elections are held every three years. The next election for members of all local authorities throughout New Zealand will be conducted, by postal vote, on Saturday, 8 October 2022.

The first past the post (FPP) electoral system will be used for the Northland Regional Council elections.

What does the regional council do?

While city or district councils are responsible for a wide range of local services in your area,  the role and responsibilities of the regional council involve managing the region’s natural resources - it manages land, air, coast and the quality of water in our lakes and rivers. They are also responsible for biodiversity, regional parks, flood protection, emergency management and regional transport. The regional council works closely with city or district councils and other agencies on some issues, to ensure they are managed to benefit the entire region.

Who is being elected?

Elections will be required for the following positions:

• Councillors (9)
  • Far North General Constituency (1)
  • Bay of Islands-Whangaroa General Constituency (1)
  • Kaipara General Constituency (1)
  • Mid North General Constituency (1)
  • Coastal Central General Constituency (1)
  • Whangārei Central General Constituency (1)
  • Coastal South General Constituency (1)
  • Te Raki Māori Constituency (2)

How can I be nominated?

Nominations for these positions will open on Friday 15 July 2022 and close at noon on Friday 12 August 2022. More information is available in the fact sheet below.

Key dates
	Consider being a candidate 1 October - 15 July 2022
	Candidate nominations open / roll open for inspection Friday, 15 July 2022
	Candidate nominations close (12 noon) / roll closes Friday, 12 August 2022
	Candidates announced Wednesday, 17 August 2022
	Voting documents sent to enrolled voters Friday, 16 September 2022 – Wednesday, 21 September 2022
	Election day (voting closes 12 noon) Saturday, 8 October 2022
	Progress and preliminary results available Saturday, 8 October 2022 (as soon as practicable)
	Declaration of result Thursday 13 October 2022 – Wednesday 19 October 2022 (or as soon as practicable)

Find out more

For more information about nominations, enrolment, and voting download the following documents:

• Fact sheet - 2022 election (PDF, 283KB)
• FAQs – Northland Regional Council elections (PDF, 649KB)
• Guidance on Māori constituencies - Information for candidates and voters in the 2022 local elections (PDF, 876KB)

A detailed candidate information handbook will be available from June 2022.