The official nomination window for local election candidates just opened on Friday, so the pace of hand-raising will pick up quickly.

As one incumbent seeking re-election put it to me recently when I asked about competition: “I’m not aware of anybody who is standing as yet, but I’ve certainly been told by plenty they can do a better job!”

Meantime, here are some recent pre-announcements:

• Di Roadly re-standing for HBRC’s Wairoa seat
• James Ebbett, standing as an ACT candidate for CHB District Council
• Wendy Schollum standing for Hastings mayor

Below is a ‘rough cut’ preview of what BayBuzz’s 2025 Election Central online portal will look like, with unfiltered information from all the candidates, plus BayBuzz’s analysis of the campaign issues. Official launch next Wednesday. We need you help to provide this extensive coverage. Please consider clicking on the Donate button below!