FAQs Election Signs

Yes, you must get the permission of the owner or occupier to put a sign on private or public property. You must get the road controlling authority’s permission if you want to put the sign on a roadside. State highways are controlled by Waka Kotahi | Land Transport NZ – go to www.nzta.govt.nz or ring 0800 444 449. Local roads are controlled by the Council – visit www.southtaranaki.com or ring 0800 111 323.

Election signs can be displayed no earlier than three (3) months before election day (from Saturday 11 July 2025).

Election signs must be removed within 7 days of election day as per our District Plan. For the 2025 election this would be midnight Saturday 18 October 2025.

Up to 3 square metres. This covers a standard billboard of 1.2m x 2.4m. Refer to the Council’s District Plan s19.2.2

You can put up signs:

• On urban or rural roads with permission from the Council;
• On state highways with permission from Waka Kotahi | New Zealand Transport Agency;
• On private property with the permission of the occupier or property owner.

You can’t put up a sign:

• On private property without the permission of the occupier or owner;
• On a road in a place where the sign will obstruct pedestrians or traffic, or create a visibility hazard for drivers;
• In a public place without the Council’s permission, including Council roads;
• On any Council property, including parks and reserves;
• Attached to power poles or poles for existing signs.

No, not for a temporary election sign. Refer to the Council’s District Plan s19.2.1 for permitted activities.

The Electoral Commission says how big signs can be, when they can be put up, and when they must be taken down. The Council controls where and how signs can be displayed in the South Taranaki District. Refer to the Electoral (Advertisements of a Specified Kind) Regulations 2005 by clicking here or visiting www.legislation.govt.nz