Elected Members for Council

Listed 6 days Ago
Horizons Regional Council
Government - Local/Federal

Please do not click the Apply Now button - please follow the instructions in the How Do I Apply? section below.

Fourteen elected member positions are available representing Palmerston North, Whanganui, Horowhenua, Ruapehu, Manawatū-Rangitīkei, and Tararua. 

Do you care deeply about your community? Are you interested in working to make our region a healthy place where people thrive? Want to help shape the future of where you live? Now’s your chance.

Local government elections are coming up, and Horizons Regional Council is looking for the next group of leaders to guide our region for the next three years.

We’re seeking:

  • Twelve councillors across our six general constituencies.
  • Two councillors across our two Māori constituencies.

Nominations are open until 12 noon on Friday 1 August 2025.

About you:

You're a New Zealand citizen, 18 years or older, and you're on the electoral roll.

You care about your community, are passionate about the Horizons Region and its future, and you wish to bring about positive change.

Experience and skills required:

You don’t need a formal qualification - just passion and energy for the Horizons Region. Whether you're passionate about biodiversity, biosecurity, public transport, economic growth, climate resilience, environmental monitoring, compliance, or simply making sure people are heard – we want to hear from you.

About the role:

As a councillor, you’ll be helping make key decisions about the future of the Horizons Region. That involves:

  • Setting strategic direction and long-term plans.
  • Setting budgets and rates.
  • Forming relationships between Horizons and others (including iwi/hapū and central government).
  • Representing the Horizons Region on boards and at events.
  • Monitoring Horizons’ performance
  • Reviewing and developing bylaws.
  • Advocating on important issues.

You’ll generally need to commit to at least one full day per week for formal meetings - sometimes there are additional meetings and workshops. You’ll also need to make time for community events, listening to the people you represent and reading agendas. It’s about 20 hours of work per week.

What's the pay like?

Current Horizons councillors with no additional responsibilities earn an annual salary of $50,825. Councillors are paid more if they have additional responsibilities, such as chairing committees. The Chair of Horizons, who is selected by the councillors after the election, is paid $153,365 for their full time role. The Deputy Chair is paid $63,907.

How do I apply?

Nominations are open until 12pm on Friday 1 August 2025.

During this period, you can fill out a nomination form by:

  • Visiting our website: elections.horizons.govt.nz 
  • Picking up a nomination form from our service centres in Palmerston North (11-15 Victoria Ave), Whanganui (181 Guyton St), Woodville (corner of Tay and Vogel streets) or Marton (19-21 Hammond St).
  • Calling the electoral team on freephone 0508 800 800.

Want to find out more?

Head to elections.horizons.govt.nz 

Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.