In this article
- Who can be a candidate?
- How do I become a candidate?
- How do I get involved with a political party?
- How do I start my own political party?
- When do I get my deposit to stand as a candidate back?
Who can be a candidate?
To be a candidate, you must be enrolled (in any electorate) and be a New Zealand citizen.
How do I become a candidate?
You need to be selected and then nominated by the political party you belong to, or you can stand as an independent electorate candidate.
If you are standing as an independent candidate or on behalf of an unregistered party, you will need to complete an individual nomination and have two people nominate you that are enrolled in the electorate that you want to stand in.
If you are standing on behalf of a registered party, the party secretary will lodge your nomination as bulk nomination.
A deposit of $300 is required with a candidate nomination.
If you want to stand as a candidate in a local election, contact your local council about their candidate and nomination rules.
How do I get involved with a political party?
Every party operates differently, so if you want to get involved, contact the party you’re interested in to find out how you can take part. You may be able to become a member, volunteer your time or make a donation.
Contact details for political parties
How do I start my own political party?
If you are interested in starting a party, you’ll need to decide if you want to contest the party vote. If you do, you’ll need to register the party, which involves meeting a set of requirements.
Guidance and rules on starting a political party
If you choose not to register your party, you can still stand candidates in electorates.
When do I get my deposit to stand as a candidate back?
If you receive more than 5% of the candidate vote, you will get your deposit back after you have sent in your return of election expenses and donations.