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Elections

Local elections are held every three years, and are an opportunity for residents and ratepayers to vote for a mayor, councillors, and community board members. A by-election is held if a seat becomes vacant.

In New Plymouth we are represented a Mayor and 14 councillors, and 20 community board members.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Electoral System and the Right to Demand a Poll for the 2028 Local Authority Elections

New Plymouth District Council

At its meeting on 27 August 2026 the Council resolved to continue to use the Single Transferable Voting (STV) electoral system for the 2028 election. In accordance with section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001.

New Plymouth District electors have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used at the next two local authority elections (2028 and 2031) for New Plymouth District Council.

A valid demand for a poll must:

  • Be made in writing;
  • Be signed by at least 5% of eligible electors of the District. This will require a minimum of 3,081 elector signatures. Every elector who signs a demand must also set out their full name and address for which they are qualified as an elector of New Plymouth District Council;
  • Be delivered to New Plymouth District Council, 84 Liardet Street, New Plymouth, by 5pm, Friday 11 December 2026 marked for the attention of the Chief Executive.

If a valid demand is received by 11 December 2026 the Council must hold a poll on whether the First Past the Post (FPP) or STV electoral system will be used.

If a valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2026, then the poll will be held after 28 March 2027 and will have effect for the 2031 and 2034 elections.

If no demand for a poll is received by the deadline, the Council’s resolution to use STV for the 2028 local authority elections will stand.

Information about the STV electoral system is available on the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) website.

For further information, please contact: enquiries@npdc.govt.nz.

Ward maps and boundaries Voting Election signs Previous elections including expense returns 2025 Elections Clifton and Kaitake community boards by-election 2026 Election results and expenses 2025

Related pages

Election results and expenses 2022 Community board members

Page last updated: 02:03pm Wed 02 September 2026

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06 759 6060 enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
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