Local elections 2025: Waikato and Waipā mayoral candidates share their views

The local election is approaching fast. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The local election is approaching fast with 19 days left until election day.

Voting is open until midday on October 11.

The Waikato Herald invited Waikato and Waipā District’s mayoral candidates to answer questions on key issues for local voters.

In Waikato, it is a two-person race, with former councillor and deputy mayor Aksel Bech and incumbent Jacqui Church standing.

In Waipa, three current elected members are standing. They are Cambridge Ward councillor Mike Pettit, Pirongia-Kakepuku Ward councillor Clare St Pierre and incumbent mayor Susan O’Regan.

To read what Aksel Bech had to say, click here.

To read what Jacqui Church had to say, click here.

To read what Mike Pettit had to say, click here.

To read what Clare St Pierre had to say, click here.

To read what Susan O’Regan had to say, click here.

Complete your voting papers and either post them at any NZ Post Box nationwide or drop them off at an orange council ballot box.

October 7 is the last day for posting your vote by mail. After this date, votes must be returned to a ballot box.

For a special vote to be valid, you must have enrolled by Friday, October 10.

Progress results will start coming in from noon on October 11.

The declaration of results will be released from October 16-22.