Officials urge locals to post or drop off ballots before October 11 as returns trail historic averages
With under a week to go before voting closes in the 2025 local elections, turnout across both the Thames–Coromandel and Hauraki districts remains slow compared to previous years.
As of 3 October 2025, the Thames–Coromandel District had received 27.6 percent of voting papers, while Hauraki’s returns are tracking below 30 percent overall. Both councils are now galvanising residents to act before Saturday 11 October.
Thames–Coromandel: Turnout uneven across wards
Current figures show:
- Thames – 28.8 %
- Coromandel–Colville – 28.5 %
- Mercury Bay – 26.2 %
- Tairua–Pāuanui – 35.6 %
- Whangamatā – 22.7 %
Tairua–Pāuanui leads the district, while Whangamatā remains the lowest.
In the 2022 local elections, Thames–Coromandel recorded an overall turnout of 52 per cent, well above the national average of 42 per cent. By comparison, at the same point in that election cycle, returns were already sitting near 27 per cent — slightly higher than this year’s figure.
Hauraki: Waihī leads the charge, Plains trails
A cumulative voting graph released by Hauraki District Council shows Paeroa, with 34% leading district returns, followed by Plains 29%, Waihi 28% with Te Pakikau O Te Ika Maori recording just over 17 per cent return rate.
In the 2022 elections, Hauraki achieved a 40.6 per cent final turnout across the district — including 41.1 per cent in the Plains Ward, 41.3 per cent in Paeroa, and 39.5 per cent in Waihī.
While all wards have seen a gradual rise since mid-September, the rate of return has slowed heading into October.
Election officials are reminding residents that time is running out to post ballots.
- Mail votes by Tuesday 7 October to ensure delivery.
- After that, use council ballot boxes only.
- All votes must be received by 12 noon, Saturday 11 October.
Ballot boxes are located at council offices and designated public sites across both districts.
Why it matters
Both councils face crucial decisions in the next term on infrastructure, housing, and local economic recovery — yet early indicators suggest many voters may again leave it to the last minute, or not vote at all.
With 2022’s higher participation still in recent memory, local leaders are hoping for a late surge before polls close.
