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Simplifying Local Government

We want to start a conversation with the community to understand what matters most to Rotorua residents. Visit the engagement page on Participate and complete the survey >

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Local Elections

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Why local government matters

Your life is impacted by local government on a daily basis. Your local council provides all these services and so much more:

  • The roads you drive on to get to work
  • The disposal of your rubbish and wastewater
  • The park where you take your dog for a run
  • The pool where your kids learn to swim
  • The water you drink from your tap.

Rotorua Lakes Council provides leadership and direction for our district, and is responsible for the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of our community. Councils are responsible for representing their community, the governance of their community, and to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi.

While Parliament is elected to deal with issues relevant to the whole of Aotearoa, your elected members of Rotorua Lakes Council make decisions on services you interact with on a daily basis.

That's why it's so important to have your say in who represents your community: vote in the local election.

Who makes up Rotorua Lakes Council?

Rotorua Lakes Council consists of one Mayor, ten Councillors, a Rural Community Board and a Lakes Community Board – each with four members. At the 2025 local election, ten Councillors will represent three Wards throughout the district - a Māori Ward with three members, a General Ward with six members, and a Rural Ward with one member.

Electoral roll options

If you’re Māori and 18 or over, you can choose which electoral roll you want to be on: the Māori roll or the general roll.

The roll you choose decides which electorate you vote in. It also affects which candidates you can choose from to represent you and your rohe in parliamentary elections and local elections.

On 31 March 2023 the Māori Electoral Option changed - if you’re Māori, you can now change your roll type at any time, except:

  • In the three months before a general election
  • In the three months before local elections which are held every three years
  • Before a parliamentary by-election, if the change would move you into the electorate where the by-election is being held.
Māori Electoral Option - vote.nz

To find more information about the Māori Electoral Option, enrol, update your address, or change the roll you’re on, visit vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.

Have your New Zealand driver licence, New Zealand passport or RealMe verified identity ready.

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