Photo: New Zealand Electoral Commission
More than 220 local politicians have won a spot on their council or community board without a single vote being cast.
The lack of candidates in some areas means representatives are being elected unopposed.
Two - Hurunui mayor Marie Black and Manawatū deputy mayor Michael Ford -have even already 'won' mayoral seats for next term.
Black told Local Democracy Reporting she was thrilled to be elected for a third term to represent the North Canterbury district.
Ford told the Manawatu Standard it was a real privilege to be elected to mayor for the first time without opposition.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black has already 'won' mayoral seats for next term. Photo: Supplied / Hurunui District Council
How the numbers stack up
A total of 3466 candidates are standing in the October local elections, according to Local Government NZ, the national body for councils.
This is the highest number seen in the past six local elections.
Of these, 222 were elected unopposed to their seat - a similar figure to the last two elections, LGNZ figures showed.
LGNZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said the uptick in candidates showed people see value in being a part of their council.
"People are more engaged in this year's local elections than in the past and want to be a voice for their community.
"This is good for democracy as the more voting choices people have, the more say they have in who represents their interests at the council table."
Freeman-Greene said she wanted this to translate into more people voting.
Voter turnout has steadily dropped over the years, with a 40 percent turnout for the 2022 local elections.
The candidates who have already 'won'
Elisha Milmine didn't expect to go from a complete newcomer to guaranteed councillor in just five days.
Milmine was initially contesting the one vacancy for the Hastings District Council's Kahuranaki ward, but her opponent withdrew for personal reasons.
"I feel it would have been justified to fight for my place," Milmine told Local Democracy Reporting.
"Now it's a matter of showing my constituency I am worthy of their vote through the term by working hard for our community."
Elisha Milmine was initially contesting the one vacancy for the Hastings District Council’s Kahuranaki ward, but her opponent withdrew for personal reasons. Photo: Supplied/LDR
Rotorua Lakes Council's rural ward councillor Karen Barker can also put her canvassing feet up after being elected unchallenged.
"It can be a reflection of the kind of job you have done and how comfortable people are with what the council's been doing."
Ten of Hutt City's candidates were elected unopposed: Five across four wards, and five Eastbourne Community Board positions.
Auckland has two wards with unopposed councillors (Rodney and Ōrākei).
Christchurch has three: Harewood, Waimari and Hornby ward councillors.
What if there are not enough candidates?
The Chief Executive of the local authority must give notice of the vacancy to the electoral officer.
A by-election must then be held not later than 89 days after the electoral officer receives the notice.
The by-election is conducted by post and must be for all the vacancies that exist when nominations closed on August 1.
These will be required to fill 13 seats across 10 elections, including community board positions in Twizel, Clifton and Rotorua Lakes.
What Community Boards pay
Community boards generally represent a smaller area within their council.
Most members earn between 3 - 10k per year, depending on the size and responsibilities of the board, with the chair earning more.
A LGNZ spokesperson said community boards play an important role in a council, but their work often flies under the radar.
"For the hours required ... the pay often doesn't cover costs like travel, childcare, or lost work time. This can be a tough fit for people with full-time jobs or families."
In rural or sparsely populated wards, there aren't always enough eligible or willing people to do these roles.
The districts that need by-elections
Gore District - Mataura Community Board
Gore District - Gore and Districts Health Inc - Southland Ward
Hastings District - Maraekākaho Community Subdivision
Hurunui District - Hanmer Springs Community Board
Mackenzie District - Twizel Community Board
New Plymouth District - Clifton Community Board
New Plymouth District - Kaitake Community Board
Rotorua Lakes District - Rotorua Lakes Community Board
Wellington City - Mākara-Ōhāriu Community Board
Whakatāne District Council - Tāneatua Community Board
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
