How we elect our Council

Check out what local government elections look like for our council.

Palmerston North city local electoral boundary.

In Palmerston North, we are represented by:

a mayor, across the city
2 councillors across the city elected to a Māori ward, Te Pūao Ward
13 councillors across the city elected to a general ward, Te Hirawanui Ward

Elections are held once every three years. If there is an unexpected vacancy, a by-election may need to be held.

We choose who will represent us by using the single transferable voting (STV) electoral system. Under STV, you rank candidates according to preference, rather than ticking the names of the candidates you wish to vote for. You may rank as few or as many candidates as you wish, regardless of the number required to be elected.

Opportunity to change

The other option permitted under the Local Electoral Act 2001 is the First Past the Post (FPP) Electoral System. Prior to 2013, the Council used the FPP electoral system. Council will review which electoral system it uses in 2026.

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, the Council can resolve to change the electoral system to be used or conduct a binding poll on the question. Alternatively, a signed petition of at least 5 per cent of electors can demand that a poll be held. Poll results are binding for the two subsequent council elections. A petition for a poll would need to be presented by mid-February 2027, for it to apply to the 2028 election.