The ACT Party has announced plans to stand candidates in 2025 local elections, marking a significant expansion beyond its traditional focus on national politics. Party leader David Seymour is set to formally launch the initiative in Wellington, calling for expressions of interest from candidates who align with ACT’s policies and values.
A Historic First for ACT in Local Politics
This will be the first time the ACT Party has fielded candidates in local elections, a move Seymour describes as an “exploratory campaign.” While national political parties have historically struggled to gain traction in local government, Seymour believes ACT’s strong brand could offer voters greater transparency and consistency in council decision-making.
“I think having a team of people under a common brand and with a common set of beliefs on your council could actually restore some of people’s trust and hope for what their council can do for them,” Seymour said on The Mike Hosking Breakfast show this morning.
The party aims to focus on council issues that reflect its national priorities, including cutting wasteful spending, opposing rate increases, and ensuring councils focus on core services rather than social policies. Seymour also suggested that many voters struggle to understand their local candidates, and ACT’s participation could offer clearer choices.
Candidate Recruitment and Selection Underway
Seymour is inviting prospective candidates to put their names forward, emphasising that ACT will only proceed if strong contenders emerge. “If good people show up wanting to stand and we think we can win some, we will go for it,” he told The New Zealand Herald.
Unlike some political parties, ACT will not be funding local candidates’ campaigns, with Seymour making it clear that those interested must raise their own money. “You’re not going to see helicopter candidates funded from outside your town … If you can’t fundraise money for your campaign, maybe people are trying to tell you something,” he said.
While ACT is open to standing candidates for councillor positions, it has ruled out contesting mayoral races, with Seymour saying the party is taking a pragmatic approach. “Start with people that can get around the council, learn the skills, and then work their way up,” he explained.
The 2025 Local Elections and Broader Political Implications
New Zealand’s local elections are scheduled for October 11, 2025, with voters electing mayors, councillors, regional councillors, and local board members. Traditionally, these elections have lower voter turnout compared to general elections, with participation declining from 65% in 1989 to just 45% in 2022.
ACT’s involvement could shake things up, drawing support from voters who are dissatisfied with existing councils. Seymour argues that local governments have not kept pace with the “real change” voters signalled in the 2023 general election and believes it is “time for a clean-out” in local politics.
However, ACT’s push into local elections could also face resistance. Some critics argue that political party involvement can create divisions in councils that function best with non-partisan cooperation. Seymour acknowledges this concern but maintains that voters deserve to know what they are getting when they cast their ballots.
New Rules and Reforms for 2025 Elections
ACT’s entry into local politics comes at a time of increased scrutiny on council elections. Recent reforms to the Local Electoral Act 2001 have introduced stricter financial disclosure rules and regulations on campaign donations, aiming to improve transparency and prevent undue influence.
These changes could shape how ACT’s candidates campaign, especially given the party’s stance on personal responsibility in fundraising. The new regulations also highlight the broader conversation around accountability in local government—one of ACT’s key priorities.
For now, Seymour remains optimistic. “I think it’s better to be trying new things even if they don’t work out the first time than never try at all,” he said.