The 2025 local elections will take place on 11 October, presenting a valuable opportunity for Property Council members to have their voices heard on the future of their communities. As key contributors to New Zealand’s built environment, our members play a vital role in shaping thriving, well-connected communities. Voting in local elections ensures that your voice is a part of the decisions that guide the future of New Zealand.
Did you know that your business qualifies for a vote outside your residential electorate? You can find out more by reading below and making sure you’re enrolled to vote before 1 August 2025.
Voting as a non-resident ratepayer
Did you know that if your business pays rates in a different electorate from where you live, you may be eligible to vote in that second area under what’s known as the non-resident ratepayer roll. This means you could have a say in more than one electorate – your residential electorate and the one in which your business operates.
To enrol, you must:
- Be a ratepayer for a property used by your business in an electorate different from your home electorate.
- Not reside in the electorate where the business is based.
- Apply to the relevant council directly to join the non-resident ratepayer roll.
If you think you might fit the above criteria, contact the electorate to which your business pays rates to confirm eligibility. They can provide the appropriate enrolment form for ratepayer electors.
Who can vote on behalf of a business?
Eligibility depends on how the property is listed in the council’s rating records:
- Entity name listed: If a company or organisation is named on the rates notice, a member or officer of that entity (who lives outside the relevant electorate) may apply to vote.
- Joint names listed: Only one of the individuals listed may vote, provided they reside outside the electorate.
- Individual name listed: That person may vote as a non-resident ratepayer if they live in a different electorate.
Remember, the deadline to register on the non-resident ratepayer roll is the 1 August 2025. We encourage all members to enrol in the local elections, it’s a powerful chance to have your say on the local issues shaping the property sector, your business, and the communities you help build.
Want to better understand the local issues impacting our sector?
Check out Property Council’s Local Governance Briefing Paper, which outlines key challenges and sector-informed solutions to support thriving, well-planned communities. It’s a useful resource to inform your thinking as we head to the polls.
Author | Bella Leddy
As Property Council’s Junior Advocacy Advisor, Bella supports the development of policy and advocacy initiatives that reflect the real-world experience of our members.
With a Bachelor of Laws and Politics from Otago University and previous experience as a policy intern at the Department of Internal Affairs, Bella brings both a sharp analytical mind and a genuine passion for public policy. She’s particularly energised by engaging with members to ensure our advocacy is grounded in industry insight and practical solutions.
Extroverted, thoughtful and service-focused, Bella thrives in roles that connect people and ideas. Outside the office, she channels her energy into teaching group fitness classes – including yoga, pilates and spin – and is always up for a good political yarn.
Recent submissions
- Submission on the Public Works Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2025
- Submission on Waipā District Council Local Water Done Well
- Submission on Waipā District Council Long Term Plan 2025-34
- Submission on Hamilton City Council’s Local Water Done Well
- Submission to Tauranga City Council on Local Water Done Well