The 2025 Auckland Council election is scheduled between September 9 and October 11, 2025. Auckland voters will elect the Mayor of Auckland, 20 ward councillors, and 151 local board members serving the 2025–2028 term.

The election uses postal voting and the First Past the Post system for council seats. Auckland’s governance includes the Governing Body (mayor plus 20 councillors) making regional decisions and 21 local boards handling community-level issues.

Mayoral Candidates

Wayne Brown (Incumbent): First elected mayor in 2022, focusing on infrastructure and fiscal discipline.
Ted Johnston: Former co-leader of the New Conservative Party, running on conservative policies.
Kerrin Leoni: Whau Ward councillor and former deputy mayoral candidate, campaigning on progressive and inclusive platforms.
John Alcock: Councillor from Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward, blending business and urban development experience.
Eric Chuah: North Shore ward candidate with a history of community engagement.
Michael Coote: Independent with business background.
Other candidates include diverse voices from different parts of the region and political spectrum.

Ward Councillor Candidates Snapshots

Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward

Julie Fairey (City Vision/Labour incumbent)
Jon Turner (Local board member)

Waitematā and Gulf Ward

Patrick Reynolds (Deputy chair of City Centre Advisory Panel)
Mike Lee (Incumbent)

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward

Josephine Bartley (Labour incumbent)
Tabetha Elliott (Communities & Residents Club member)

North Shore Ward

Richard Hills (Incumbent)
Danielle Grant (The Shore Choice)
Helena Roza (ACT Local)

Other Wards

Rodney, Ōrākei, Howick, Manurewa-Papakura, and Waitākere wards all feature multiple candidates spanning party lines and independents.

Key Issues Addressed by Auckland Candidates

Housing affordability and supply acceleration
Transport infrastructure improvements, including public and active transport
Environmental protection, including urban green spaces and waterway restoration
Fiscal prudence and transparent governance
Enhanced Māori representation and partnership
Economic recovery post-COVID-19 and growth resilience

Voting Timeline and Deadline

Postal ballots distributed: September 9–22, 2025
Voting closes: October 11, 2025, at 12 noon
Preliminary results published shortly thereafter
Official final declaration around October 16–19, 2025

Where to Find Candidate Profiles and Voting Resources

Vote Auckland Website: voteauckland.co.nz features an online directory searchable by address to match voters with candidates in their area.
Council election webpages provide official candidate lists with contact details.
Local media outlets feature interviews, analyses, and candidate debates.
Personal campaign websites and social media channels offer candidate platforms and updates.

Conclusion

The 2025 Auckland Council election is one of the country’s largest and most consequential local elections, with a record number of candidates offering wide-ranging visions for Tāmaki Makaurau’s future. From mayoral hopefuls to ward councillors, voters have an unprecedented opportunity to shape the region’s housing, transport, environment, and economic policies in the next three years.

Informed voting and active engagement are critical to selecting representatives best suited to navigate Auckland through rapid growth and complex challenges.

Excerpt

This coming election in Auckland will define strategic regional planning, local governance, and community wellbeing amid rapid urban changes. The large candidate pool reflects vibrant democratic participation and diverse views, empowering Aucklanders to choose leaders who reflect their values and visions.