As of 1 October, only 21.20% of eligible Upper Hutt voters have returned their voting papers.

With the 2025 local elections closing in ten days, we are urging residents to return their papers early and encourage friends, whānau, and neighbours to do the same.

Your vote matters. Local elections decide who represents you on Council and who makes key decisions about the future of our city, from funding infrastructure and community services to planning for growth and change. 

Every returned paper helps ensure our community’s voice is heard.

Voting papers were delivered between 9 and 22 September. You can return them by:

•  Post – make sure they’re posted by 7 October in order for them to arrive in time before voting closes.
•  Orange bins – drop them at any orange voting bin across Upper Hutt. They can be found here (https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/Elections/Vote#section-3).

Voting closes at 12 noon on Saturday 11 October.

If you are not able to vote using the ordinary postal process, you may be able to cast a special vote. 

Special votes make sure you can still take part in the local elections.

You may be eligible to cast a special vote if any of the following apply:

• You enrolled online after 1 August 2025;
• You didn’t receive your voting papers in the post by 22 September;
• Your voting papers were lost or damaged;
• Your name isn’t on the printed electoral roll;
• Your details are out of date;
• You are on the unpublished (confidential) electoral roll;
• You have made a mistake when completing the voting papers.

Special votes can be cast up until 12 noon, Saturday 11 October 2025.

Find full details on eligibility and what you need to bring here: Special votes – Upper Hutt City Council (https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/Elections/Vote#section-4)

To ask about special vote, please email elections@uhcc.govt.nz or ring 04-527 2133

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

03/10/25