Voting opens in Wairarapa by-election

Voting has now opened in the Greater Wellington Regional Council Wairarapa General Constituency by-election following the extraordinary vacancy created by the death of Councillor Adrienne Staples.

Voting documents are being delivered to eligible voters by post from Monday 20 July 2026. Voters can choose from six candidates standing for election for the remainder of the 2025-28 triennium: Alistair Plimmer, Amber Craig, Colin Olds, John Hart , Jill Greathead, and Michael Birch.

Voting will be conducted by postal vote, using Single Transferable Vote (STV), with candidates listed in random order.

Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 21 August 2026. Completed voting papers can be returned by post or delivered to designated voting bins throughout Wairarapa.

Information about the six candidates, voting options, key dates and frequently asked questions is available on our website.

Preliminary results will be available as soon as practicable after voting closes.