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Local body elections
Elections for Otago Regional Council are held every three years at the same time as elections for city and district councils. The last election was held on Saturday 8 October 2022. The next local elections for Otago Regional Council will be held on Saturday 11 October 2025 by postal vote using the Single Transferable Voting (STV) electoral system.
Information about who can be a candidate and what rules you need to follow are on Local Government NZ's website.
Can I be Otago's next Councillor?
You can vote in the local elections if you are on the electoral roll and live in the Otago region or own property here.
If you live outside the Otago region but own property here, you can also vote.
Make sure you are properly enrolled for Otago - this is really important if you have only recently moved here (students, this means you too!)
By voting in your local body elections, you have your say on who will make decisions on Otago's future for the next three years.
Otago Regional Council is responsible for promoting the economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of the region.
Our work covers all of Otago and our focus is on the environment and natural resources:
- Setting policies and rules to protect Otago’s water, land and air resources
- Monitoring the environment – collecting data and knowledge to inform decision making
- Responding to environmental incidents
- Taking a lead role in pest management
- Taking an active role in minimising risks from natural hazards
- Keeping you safe along our coast and on our lakes and rivers through our Harbourmaster function
- Civil Defence Emergency Management
- Providing public transport in Dunedin and Queenstown (Orbus)
- Providing support to community groups for environmental enhancement
- Taking a lead role in responding to issues that affect Otago, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and urban development
2025 Elections
Take part in the decisions that shape Otago. Get involved in local elections.
Are you enrolled?
Want to vote on the future of the Otago region? You need to be enrolled.
Do you want to stand?
Care about here? Stand for Otago.
Ready to vote?
Choose a candidate who represents you.
If you are enrolled as a parliamentary elector you will automatically be placed on your district or city council’s electoral roll as a residential elector.
Enrol or update your information on the parliamentary electoral roll
If you live outside of the Otago region but pay rates for a property within the electoral boundaries, you may qualify to vote as a non-resident ratepayer elector. Follow instructions on the new Online Ratepayer Enrolment Portal to register.
