Why voting matters

​Staying accountable

Elected members are accountable to their community through elections, so it is important that you are familiar with candidates’ aspirations and proposals for how they will act on your behalf.

Because your vote is so important for shaping the future of Auckland and what happens day-to day within your local community, make sure you know what your local candidates stand for and how they will represent the community.

Once all the candidates have been officially announced, you can find out more about them in the candidate profiles that will be published once nomination period is over.

What your vote influences

In the Introduction to Auckland Council section, we learnt all about Auckland Council’s services and responsibilities.

Voting in local elections is important if you want to have your say on what matters to you.

Your vote influences who is elected to make decisions for Auckland, so your vote helps shape what Auckland is like now and in the future.

The people you vote for will decide on the funding and maintenance of critical infrastructure that makes Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland such a great place to live.

Your vote can make a difference!

We deliver many services to our communities across the Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region such as:

Transport

• Vital transport infrastructure.
• Making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians around the city.

Water, wastewater and stormwater

• The quality of water from your tap and at your local beaches.

Parks and community

• Libraries, recreation centres and pools or hiring a community hall.
• Play spaces for children in your local parks.

City centre and redevelopment

• How development can encourage a thriving community.

Economic and cultural development

• What cultural, family and sporting events take place near you.

Environmental management and regulation

• Having a say on how we monitor and protect our local environment.

Read next topic - How local elections work.

​Sign up for learning resources

Register to receive a link to our civics education resources for schools and community groups.

You will receive separate educational resources for four lessons based on the information on this site.

Each lesson takes a closer look at the topic through four fun activities with clear learning objectives that are easily adaptable for any classroom or interest group.