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News | 9 September 2025
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How orange voting bins are changing the way we vote

When election season rolls around, there’s one unmistakeable sign Wellingtonians will see across the city - the bright orange voting bins. Found in libraries, supermarkets, and community centres, these bins have quickly become an essential part of how people across Wellington cast their votes in local elections. But how did they come about, and why have they become so well-used?

Orange voting bins with stickers plastered all over with details about voting

Making voting easier

Voting bins were introduced as part of efforts to make elections more accessible. Up until recently, most votes were sent through the post. But with street post boxes reducing in numbers each year and many people using the post system infrequently or not at all, a new option was needed to fill the gap. Enter the distinctive orange bins: simple, visible, and easy to use.

Stats that show the shift

The orange voting bins came into the picture for the first time in 2022, with Wellington City Council being one of the first councils to take part in the switch and with it came great success. Over 50 bins were rolled out in style all over Wellington City, and over half of all votes were returned through the bins. They were used again in 2024 for the Pukehīnau/Lambton by-election, where over 85% of votes were returned via the orange voting bins.

Vote by bin

Ready for your own close encounter with one of these famous orange bins? Well, the process is straightforward. Check your mailbox for your voting papers between 9 – 22 September, fill them out and then drop them in an orange voting bin at your local supermarket, library, or any one of over 50 locations across Wellington. Make sure you vote by 12 noon on Saturday, 11 October.

Vote by post

You can of course still vote by popping your completed papers in the post. If you are using a NZ Post or DX Mail post box, it is recommended you post your vote by Tuesday 7 October to ensure it is received before voting closes.

Orange bin placed in front of a wall

Visit our election hub – Wellington CBD

If you need to special vote, need help voting, or have any questions, come and see us at our election hub. The election hub is based at Te Awe Library, 29 Brandon Street. Opening hours:

  • 9.30am–5.30pm, Monday–Friday, from Tuesday 9 September to Friday 10 October 2025
  • 10am–4pm, Saturday 4 October 2025
  • 9.30am–12 noon, Saturday 11 October 2025.

Pop-up hubs – Johnsonville, Karori, Kilbirnie, Newtown

Pop-up hubs to assist with special voting will also be open in the final week of voting on Saturday 11 October at the following libraries:

  • Johnsonville Library | Waitohi
  • Karori Library | Te Māhanga
  • Newtown Library | Ngā Puna Waiora
  • Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library | Te Awa-a-Taia

Special voting hub opening hours for these locations are:

  • 10am – 4pm, Saturday 4 October 2025
  • 10am – 5.30pm, Monday 6 October – Friday 10 October 2025
  • 10am – 12pm noon, Saturday 11 October

Contact us

Electoral Officials

Email: election@wcc.govt.nz