Record candidates in Auckland elections highlighting youth empowerment

A total of 476 nominations have been received for Auckland Elections 2025, which will see all 172 council, local board, mayoral, and licensing trust positions contested, except for two seats in Ōrākei and Rodney that are uncontested.

This is an increase of 11 nominations compared to 2022 and includes 12 candidates running for the mayoralty.

Lou-Ann Ballantyne, Governance and Engagement General Manager, says the strong interest reflects growing civic engagement.

“We are thrilled to see this level of commitment from Aucklanders willing to step up and represent Tāmaki Makaurau and their communities,” she says. “Having a large and diverse range of candidates is just the first part of the democratic process. Hopefully, this means stronger interest from voters, too.”

Voting papers will be delivered from Tuesday, 9 September, with voting closing on Monday, 22 September.

Auckland Council has upgraded its Vote Auckland website to make it easier for people to learn about the candidates. A searchable online candidate directory will launch on 1 September, allowing voters to find candidates specific to their address and area.

“We’ve heard many people say they don’t vote because they don’t know who the candidates are,” Ballantyne says. “The new directory should solve that problem.”

While no demographic breakdown has been released, some candidates and community leaders are hopeful that the increased nominations also reflect a rise in young and diverse voices.

In Ōtara, 22-year-old Zak Tulua is among the youngest candidates in the running. He is standing for a seat on the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board under the mentorship of community advocate Swanie Nelson. If elected, he would become the first young person to serve on the board.

Zak Tulua, backed by the local youth hub, hopes to become the first youth elected to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board. Photo/AUT

The Ōtara Youth Hub announced Tulua’s candidacy on social media, says: “There has never been a young person elected onto the local board and we strongly believe this needs to change. Our local young leaders care, understand, are vibrant, bring innovative solutions and want to be part of making a real difference, and we need to trust them and give them a real shot.”

Tulua, who serves as a youth ambassador, presented at the World Youth Summit in Istanbul earlier this year. His team’s back-to-school affordability project won an award for top social innovation and is now funded for launch in Ōtara later this year.

Apulu Reece Autagavaia, chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, says excitement about the number of candidates, especially from the youth.

“It’s great that we have so many putting their hands up. It gives people a choice. That’s democracy in action,” Apulu says.

Community advocate Swanie Nelson is mentoring first-time candidate Zak Tulua while also running for a seat on the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board. Photo/Policy.nz

“I’m also excited that young people are in the running. We need youth voices. We need Māori voices. We need female voices, Asian, and gender diverse voices. We are stronger with many views at the decision-making tables.”

He emphasised the importance of recognising young candidates like Tulua for their courage.

“For young people to make themselves vulnerable to the public eye deserves particular mention. They are brave and strong-willed voices of the young leaders for today, not tomorrow or next year, but for today and now.”

Apulu says if re-elected, he intends to give youth more power in decision-making processes.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says it’s time for youth to have real decision-making power. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

“We’ve started with our Youth Council and with decisions over the Ōtara Town Centre playground being given to our youth. But in the new term, we could look at a subcommittee of young people making real decisions.

“We are the second-youngest local board in Tāmaki Makaurau. We need youth representation.”

For the full candidate lists, enrolment information, and how to vote, visit:voteauckland.co.nz

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.