Porirua is on pace to deliver its highest local election turnout in nearly a decade, with voting returns in the 2025 elections already outstripping previous years, and with history suggesting the biggest surge is yet to come. In the 2022 election, nearly half of all votes were cast in just the final three days, a trend that could once again push this year’s turnout into record-breaking territory.
As of 4:16pm on 8 October, 24.91% of voters had returned their ballots, putting the city ahead of its position at the same point in 2022 (19.4%), 2019 (23.7%), and 2016 (24.6%). If current trends continue, Porirua could surpass its 2016 peak of 33%, setting a new benchmark for civic participation.
Turnout is surging across all three wards. The Pāuatahanui General Ward is leading the way with 29.20% of votes returned, followed by the Porirua Māori Ward at 25.31%, and Onepoto General Ward at 21.35%. Each has exceeded its 2022 performance at this stage of the election.
With voting open until noon on Saturday, 11 October, thousands more ballots are expected to come in. While final numbers remain to be seen, the steady climb suggests a record-breaking result is within reach.
Whether driven by key local issues or increased engagement efforts, Porirua voters appear more motivated than ever to have their say.