The nomination period for the 2025 local elections has kicked off today, Friday 4 July, and people wanting to stand have about a month to return their nomination forms.

Voters in the Ashburton District will choose a mayor, nine councillors, a Methven Community Board, six Braided Rivers Community Trust members and two Environment Canterbury representatives.

Nearly anyone can represent their community, as long as they are over the age of 18, a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the Parliamentary electoral roll. Candidates can find useful information about the election process and campaign rules at voteashburton.nz

The website also has nomination forms and maps of the ward boundaries.

Nominations close at noon on 1 August and candidates are urged to complete their forms early, so they can be checked for errors well before the deadline.

Local candidates will be listed at voteashburton.nz once their nominations are processed.