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Voting in the 2025 Local Body Elections is officially open. But do you know who is vying to represent you?
Eleven people have stepped forward to challenge Wayne Brown for the Auckland Mayoralty, while incumbent Waikato Mayor Jacqui Church faces a former deputy mayor, Aksel Bech.
In Papakura, seven people contest the two Manurewa-Papakura ward seats, and a total of 16 candidates for the six-seat Papakura Local Board.
Meanwhile, in Franklin, three people are vying for the sole Franklin ward seat on Auckland Council, while a total of 20 candidates is standing for nine seats (across three subdivisions) on Franklin Local Board.
In North Waikato, five are standing for the two Tuakau-Pōkeno ward seats, two candidates for the one Awaroa-Maramaru seat, and Carolyn Eyre is uncontested in the Western Districts.
There are also four candidates for the two Waikato ward seats on the Waikato Regional Council.
The newly elected set of leaders will make decisions on important matters like regional and local budgets, public transport, infrastructure, rubbish collections, climate resilience, and so much more.
Rubbish collection and roading are always hot topics of conversation, with some of our readers having wheelie bins and the rest under the older system of rubbish bags and stickers. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a street lined with shredded, smelly rubbish because wandering dogs have gone exploring and destroying. Dogs themselves are another bone of contention, with dog attacks on the rise across Auckland, and animal shelters are overrun.
Think about the issues that affect you, and see what candidates in your area stand for, and make an informed vote.



