Nominations opened today (4 Jul) for New Zealand's 2025 local body elections.

In Southland all elected positions to the Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Environment Southland are contestable.

At this time nominations will also be sought for board members of the ILT, Mataura Licensing Trust and Gore and Districts Health.

Invercargill City Council Deputy Electoral Officer Michael Morris said the opening of nominations marked the official start of the local election period.

“The election period is always a busy and exciting time especially as our passionate locals start to step up and put their names forward to help lead the city they love,” he said.

“This year, we’re calling on people to back the place they love, not just in words, but with action. Standing for election is one of the most meaningful ways to show up for your community. If you care about Invercargill or Bluff, now is the time to show it.”

Southland District Council deputy electoral officer Robyn Rout said being involved in local government could be a challenging experience but also extremely rewarding.

"It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community you care about.”

Southland Positions

• Southland District: 1 mayor, 12 councillors and 56 community board members.
• Invercargill City: 1 mayor, 12 councillors, 5 (Bluff) community board members. ILT 6 board members.
• Gore District:1 mayor, 11 councillors and 5 (Mataura) community board members. Mataura Licensing Trust: 9 board members. Gore and Districts Health: 6 board members.
• Environment Southland: 12 councillors to represent constituencies across Southland.

Important Dates

• 4th July: Nominations and rolls open
• 1st August (midday): Nominations & rolls close
• 4 July: Candidate nominations open and roll opens
• 6th August: Candidates' names published
• 9th-22nd September: Voting forms delivered to voters
• 7th October: Last day to vote by post
• 11th October (midday): Voting closes
• 16th - 22nd October: Results declared (provisional results may take place before this date)
• Elected members will be sworn in the weeks following the final declaration.