The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.

The incumbent Mayor, Whitford Brown, sought re-election for a third term.

He was opposed by Rairi Christian Field, who had stood against Brown in 1962.

Councillor Bill Arnold's wife, Maxine Arnold, was elected to the Porirua District Licensing Trust, believed to be the first woman in New Zealand to win a seat on a licensing trust.

[1] Two successful council candidates on election night (Alf Mexted and John Stewart Kenward) were unseated with the counting of late votes.