Voting papers for Porirua’s local government elections have begun arriving in letterboxes, marking the start of a crucial period for residents to have their say in shaping the city’s future.
Voters have until noon on 11 October to submit their ballots, which cover elections for the Porirua mayoralty, city councillors across the Parirua (Māori), Onepoto, and Pāuatahanui (General) wards, and the Porirua-Tawa Constituency on the Greater Wellington Regional Council. This year’s election also includes three polls: two binding polls on whether to retain Māori representation in both Porirua and Greater Wellington, and a non-binding poll exploring future Council structures.
The elected mayor, city councillors, and regional representatives make decisions that affect many aspects of daily life, from the harbour and libraries to infrastructure and rates, so voters are encouraged to make their voices heard.
Residents can vote as soon as they receive their orange voting papers and are encouraged to drop them into orange voting boxes located throughout the city, including at libraries and supermarkets. A full list of drop-off locations is available on the Porirua City Council website: https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/mayor-councillors/elections-2025/vote-poti/where-to-drop-your-vote/.
The election uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they like, but are advised not to skip numbers.
Anyone not yet enrolled can still participate by enrolling online at vote.nz or visiting one of the community voting events organised across Porirua. These events also offer help with casting special votes for those who misplace their papers or need to update their details.
Progress results will begin to be released from 3pm on 11 October, with official results expected between 16 and 22 October. Voters who have not received their papers by 22 September should contact the Council or attend a community event for assistance.
For everything election-related, including how to vote, candidate profiles, and live updates, visit the Porirua News Election Hub.