Latest fromLocal Body Elections

Wayne Brown apologises to his deputy for ‘Lamborghini’ comment
Despite mayor's apology, Desley Simpson has still not decided if she will run for mayor.

Greens back Tory Whanau for second term as Wellington mayor
Whanau admitted in Feb she 'wasn’t being Green' by supporting some controversial policies.

Tauranga byelection: Q&As with the five candidates
Voting for Tauranga's new Māori ward councillor begins on Monday.

‘It’s time!‘: Wellington businessman announces mayoral bid
Karl Tiefenbacher narrowly lost a byelection last year by 45 votes.

‘Time for a clean-out’: Act reveals major election move
David Seymour is expected to speak to media later about the announcement.

Mayoral races heat up: Can Whanau and Brown get a second term?
First-term mayors in our biggest cities have all confirmed they're up for round two.

Auckland councillors start revealing re-election plans - but others stay tight-lipped
Many councillors are still weighing their options on whether they'll run.

Mayoral challenge? Desley Simpson testing Wayne Brown’s patience, insiders say
Simpson says she's not interested in intrigue by alleged insiders.

Farmer puts his hand up for Hastings mayor, says HB Tourism is not a priority
Staff have found savings, but councillors have voted to spend, Buddo says.

The economist who wants to be Auckland’s first Māori mayor
Auckland councillor Kerrin Leoni opposes the sale of strategic assets like airport shares.

'Desley for mayor': Simpson not ruling out Auckland mayoralty bid, campaign website registered
Simpson told the Herald it was a 'bit soon' to make a decision.

Analysis: Familiar face causes a stir in Wellington’s mayoral race
Justin Lester says he doesn't intend to run for the mayoralty again but won't rule it out.

'Time for a change': Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate not running for re-election in October
In a Facebook post, Southgate announced that it was time for a change.

Division, abuse and rates pain: Local politics year in review
2024 saw clashes between central and local government.

TCDC councillor puts hand up for mayoralty
First-term councillor believes he has the passion and skills the district needs.

Tory Whanau appears to like Instagram comments suggesting Govt intervention a 'hit-job'
The mayor's account has since un-liked the comments.

Who is challenging Tory Whanau for Wellington’s mayoralty?
High-profile names have been rumoured, with one prominent Wellingtonian not ruling it out.

Simon Wilson: Auckland election - here's $350, will you vote for us?
OPINION: It may be legal to pay voters but that doesn't make it right, says Simon Wilson.

Why NZ needs to decide what it wants from local government – Jeffrey McNeill
OPINION: Debate on local government's role resurfaces, highlighting current flaws.

Māori Wards: Councils resentful about funding a poll put on them by coalition’s agenda
Councils face huge costs while also being asked to pare down spending.

Local councils to vote on challenge to Māori ward polling rule
FNDC Mayor Moko Tepania will support a challenge to a rule around Māori ward polling.