The 1901 New Zealand local elections were local elections that were held on 24 April 1901 to elect local government officials across the Colony of New Zealand.
They were the first elections held under the changes made to local governance and elections that came about following the passage of the Municipal Corporations Act 1900.
These elections were the first held under the changes made to local governance and elections in boroughs that came about following the passage of the Municipal Corporations Act 1900; mayoral elections would be held every year, whilst councillors would face election every two years. The Town Districts Act 1881 still governed town district elections, which were held every two years. The Counties Act 1876 still governed county elections, which were held every three years.
The city councils governed the major urban municipalities that had been elevated to city status.
<div style="overflow:scroll">
</div>
The borough councils governed the mid-sized municipalities of the country. There were 96 non-city boroughs in 1901.
The town district boards governed the small towns of the country, often as an intermediary step before being granted borough status. There were 35 town districts in 1901. Town district board elections occurred every two years; only by-elections occurred in this year's local elections.
The county councils governed the rural portions of the country. There were 86 counties in 1901. County council elections were held every 3 years; only by-elections occurred in this year's local elections.
In 1901, there were also 224 road boards, 29 river boards, 1 drainage board, 2 water-supply boards, 16 land drainage boards, and 26 harbour boards.