General and local elections
Learn what general and local elections are all about.
On this page
General elections
A general election is when we vote for the people and parties who represent us in New Zealand Parliament and form a government. General elections happen every three years.
Voting for general elections is typically done in person. You go to a voting place and are given a voting paper to fill in privately behind a screen. Voting places are set up in public places like schools, community centres, libraries, and sport clubs.
If you’re unable to get to a voting place or fill in a voting paper yourself, don’t worry – there accessible voting options for the disabled community.
Check out accessible voting options
For general elections, we use a voting system called Mixed Member Proportional (MMP). In MMP you get two votes – one vote for a political party and one for who you want as your local Member of Parliament (MP).
The next general election will be held on Saturday 7 November 2026, with advance voting opening on Monday 26 October.
Local elections
Local elections are held to decide who will be on city, regional, and district councils. You vote in local elections based on where you live. Councils around the country hold elections at the same time every three years (a year before the general election).
Local elections use mail in voting. You are sent voting papers to fill in and send back.
Learn more about local elections
The next local elections will be held in 2028.