30-06-2025
Represent! Be A Voice For Your Community. Council Nominations Open Soon
Stratford District Council (SDC) is urging anyone passionate about their district and committed to helping it thrive as one of the best places to live in Aotearoa New Zealand to stand for local council when nominations open on Friday 4 July 2025.
SDC Chief Executive Sven Hanne says elected members play a big role in the everyday lives of families, businesses, community groups, and everyone who lives, works, invests, or plays in the heart of Taranaki.
'Rates, roads, waste, and water are often top-of-mind when people think about their local council, but elected members govern so much more on behalf of their community,' says Sven.
'Leading economic and community development, our parks and playgrounds, local recreational facilities, grants and funding, and more, are all part of the challenging and rewarding work they do.'
'If you're thinking about standing, or you're feeling curious about the process or the roles and responsibilities of elected members, come to our Candidate Information Day. It's a relaxed session early in the nomination period so you can learn more and ask questions before you put your hat in the ring,' says Sven.
SDC's Candidate Information Day is on Saturday, 5 July from 12pm - 2pm in Council Chambers, 63 Miranda Street, Stratford. During the session, Sven will present alongside Election Officer Dale Ofsoske and Taranaki Regional Council Director Corporate Services Mike Nield.
Event details are available at
Council nominations are open from Friday 4 July, to noon on Friday 1 August. Elections will be held in September, for the position of district mayor and 11 councillors, including 6 from the Urban Ward, 4 from the Rural Ward, and 1 Māori Ward councillor.
People must be 18 or older to run for council, enrolled to vote, a New Zealand citizen, and be nominated by two residents from the ward or area they want to stand in.
'We've got some incredibly talented and community-focused people in our district, but we know people here can be pretty humble too,' says Sven.
'You might not think you have the experience needed to be a part of council, but everyone will bring something different to the table, and it's that diversity of skills and perspectives that'll help us navigate the challenges and exciting opportunities ahead.'
More information about standing for council is available at
Nomination forms will be available during the nomination period from SDC's Service Centre at 63 Miranda Street, Stratford, and online at
