Election Signs
Who makes the rules about election signs?
The Council regulates when, where and how election 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
Do I need to get permission to put up a sign?
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 road side.
State highways are controlled by Waka Kotahi – go to www.nzta.govt.nz or ring 0800 44 44 49.
Local roads are controlled by the Council – visit www.southtaranaki.com or ring 0800 111 323.
When can I put up my election signs?
Election signs can be displayed no earlier than three (3) months before election day.
When must I take my sign down?
Election signs must be taken down or covered up by mid-night prior to the day before election day. For the 2023 election this would be mid-night Friday 13 October.
How big can my signs be?
Up to 3 square meters. This covers a standard billboard of 1.2m x 2.4m. Refer to the Council’s District Plan s19.2.2
Where can I place my signs?
You can put up signs:
- On urban or rural roads with permission from the Council.
- On state highways with permission from Waka Kotahi;
- On private property with the permission of the occupier or property owner.
Where can’t I place my signs?
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.
Are there rules about the size of lettering on signs?
Yes. Refer to the Council’s District Plan s19.2.1 for permitted activities.
Do I need to get a resource consent or building consent to put up a sign?
No, not for a temporary election sign. Refer to the Council’s District Plan s19.2.1 for permitted activities.
Remember, your signs must include your name and street address, or the name and address of the ‘promoter’ of the sign, if that’s not you.
Click here to download a pdf FAQ about Election Signs in South Taranaki.
These FAQs may not tell you everything you need or want to know about elections signs. For more information go to:
www.elections.org.nz (Tel 0800 36 76 56)
www.nzta.govt.nz (Tel 06 953 63 96)
www.southtaranaki.com (Tel 0800 111 323)
