Candidates encouraged to stand for what matters
Residents across the Hurunui are encouraged to step forward and represent their community - as mayor, councillor, or a member of the Hanmer Springs Community Board or the new South Ward Community Board.
Candidate nominations open at noon on Friday 4 July 2025.
Council’s electoral officer Naomi Woodham says Hurunui residents have the chance every three years to shape the future of their communities and recommends people thinking of standing for their community to attend a council meeting or a meeting of the Hanmer Springs Community Board meeting to “get a feel for it”.
“Watching council or a community board meeting in action and listening to the issues that are being discussed, provides a very good opportunity to see whether this is for you.”
With five members required for both the new South Ward Community Board as well as the four South Ward Councillors up for election this year, there will be plenty of spaces to fill, Woodham says.
“Local leadership offers the opportunity to tackle challenges like infrastructure, climate adaptation, and community wellbeing head-on,” Woodham says.
“Whether you live in South Ward, West Ward or the East Ward, this is your chance to speak for the people you live alongside and to bring your values to life. Council and community boards make decisions that affect local roads, water services, resource planning, and local amenities - areas where local input matters.”
Nominations close on Friday 1 August 2025. Special voting opens on 9 September, with voting closing at 12 noon on 11 October 2025.
For more information about standing as a candidate, please go to:
