Drop your voting papers while you grab the milk this Saturday

Heading out for groceries or a bargain this Saturday? Don’t forget your voting papers—NPDC is making it easier than ever to vote, with ballot boxes popping up at local supermarkets and retailers across the district.

“Pop-up voting boxes will be at several New World, Four Square and Woolworths stores, plus The Warehouse Bell Block and Briscoes, so you can vote while doing your weekly shop or searching for a bargain,” says NPDC Customer and Communications Manager Ben Kohlis.

Voting closes at midday on 11 October, and by Saturday it’s too late to post your papers, so they get to us before the deadline.

“We know people are busy, so we’re bringing voting to where they already are,” says Ben.

“Whether you’re a ratepayer, renter or regular user of council facilities, this is your chance to help shape the future of our district.”

NPDC manages just over $4 billion in assets, and elected members make key decisions on how rates are spent, infrastructure, and community services.

On Saturday 11 October, ballot boxes will be available at Council venues, including the Civic Centre in Liardet Street, both inside and a drive-thru, up until midday. 

Meanwhile if you haven’t enrolled or your details are incorrect, there is still time, but the clock is ticking.  Go to vote.nz to enrol or check them.  You only have until Friday 10 October to do this.

If your voting documents haven’t arrived, call into the Civic Centre to collect a special voting document.

Go to npdc.govt.nz/vote2025 for a full candidate list, profiles and how to vote, including details about special votes and the STV system. 

Where to Vote on Saturday 4 October (9am–3pm):

• Pak’nSave New Plymouth
• New World Merrilands, Inglewood and Waitara
• Four Square Oakura, Urenui and Ōkato
• Woolworths Spotswood
• The Warehouse Bell Block
• Briscoes – The Valley
• NPDC Civic Centre – Liardet Street (inside and drive-thru)

Ballot boxes are also available at:

• Civic Centre until 10 October Monday - Friday (8am - 5pm). Vote Day (4 October) 9am-3pm inside and drive-thru. Saturday 11 October: 9am-12noon inside and drive-thru. Special votes available from Civic Centre.
• Oākura Library until 11 October. Monday, Wednesday, Friday (11am - 5pm), Tuesday, Saturday (9am - 1pm). Saturday 11 October (9am to 12noon) 
• Puke Ariki Library until 10 October Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (9am-6pm), Wednesday (9am - 8pm) Saturday and Sunday (9am - 5pm). 11 October, ballot box available 9am-midday.
• Puke Ariki Museum (i-site). Monday- Sunday (10am-5pm). Saturday 11 October up ballot box available up until 112noon.
• Waitara Library and Service Centre: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm and until 6pm on other days. 9am-12noon Saturday
• Inglewood Library and Service Centre:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (9am-5pm), until 6pm Wednesday and Friday. Saturday (9am - 12 noon)
• Bell Block Library and Service Centre: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (9am-5pm), until 6pm other days and 9am -12noon on Saturday.
• Urenui Library: Tuesday (9am - 2pm) and Friday (12 noon - 4pm)
• Todd Energy Aquatic Centre: Monday – Friday (5.30am-7.15pm), Saturday and Sunday 7am-6.45pm. Ballot box only available until midday 11 October.

A map of our venues with ballot boxes is available here

Fast Facts

• 82 nominations received for the 2025 election, up from 77 in 2022​.
• 9 candidates are running for Mayor in 2025, up from 8 in 2022.​
• 45.1%: The voter turnout in 2022.
• This year we are required to run a legally-binding referendum on whether to keep or remove our Māori ward in future elections. 

• Progress results will be announced on Saturday 11 October 2025, preliminary results expected on Sunday 12 October and final results are expected to be announced Friday 17 October.