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Community candidate events

Hear from your local candidates or list your own candidate event.

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Upcoming events List an event Event hosting guidance

Community candidate events

During the election period, community organisations (such as residents' associations) can hold events where you can hear from your local candidates.

Note that events listed and their details have been provided to the Council. The Council hosts this information and is not responsible for community candidate events.

List a candidate event

Wellington City Council welcomes community-led ‘meet the candidate’ events and Q&A sessions.

If you are organising a candidate event, you can have it listed on our website.

To let us know about your event, fill in our online form with the following information:

  • Whether the event is for the mayoral election, a ward election, or a community board election
  • The time and date of the event
  • The venue the event will be held in
  • Contact information for the event organiser (including organisation name, if applicable)

List an event

To notify candidates of your event, see candidate contact information on the ElectioNZ website:
Wellington City Council candidates | ElectioNZ

Please note contact details are provided by candidates and some candidates may choose not to share some contact details.

Guidance for hosting a community candidate event 

To help your event run smoothly and support a positive experience for candidates and community members alike, here are some suggestions:

1. Event Structure

Decide how you'd like to structure the event, and communicate this to the candidates in advance — some options are:

  • Event introduction, including emergency exits and venue facilities, the structure of the event, any ground rules etc
  • Candidate introductions (consider giving a time limit)
  • A Q&A led by the facilitator with each candidate taking turns
  • A panel-style discussion with questions from the audience
  • Smaller group conversations where attendees can rotate between candidates
  • Closing remarks (consider giving a time limit if allowing each candidate to make a closing remark)

Whatever structure you choose, make sure it allows all candidates a fair opportunity to speak and engage with the public.

Try to give all candidates equal speaking time and chances to respond to questions.

2. Facilitator 

Choose a facilitator who is politically neutral and can encourage respectful, well-managed discussion.

A good facilitator will:

  • Stay neutral, respectful and calm under pressure
  • Manage inappropriate or aggressive questions
  • Help defuse any tense or inflammatory situations

3. Respect and Safety

Aim to create an environment where candidates feel safe and respected — before, during, and after the event.

Support a setting where the public feel comfortable asking questions in a respectful way.

Have a few people on hand to assist with logistics or any unexpected situations.

4. Venue and Accessibility

Choose a venue that:

  • Suits the size of the audience you’re expecting.
  • Has accessible entrances, seating, and facilities for anyone who may wish to attend.
  • Offers a layout that allows people to move around easily and exit safely if needed.

Contact us

Electoral Officials
Email: election@wcc.govt.nz