Future local elections must be run by Electoral Commission - LGNZ

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says errors in the treatment of Māori ward candidates, further strengthens its call for future local elections to be administered by one centralised provider.

LGNZ Interim Chief Executive Scott Necklen says recent errors affecting council voting packs for Whanganui, Ōpōtiki and South Wairarapa district councils could affect the public’s trust in local elections and the upcoming Māori wards referendum.

“We want New Zealanders to understand the value of local government, and to have their say by voting for the candidates they support. That’s only possible if they have the right information to make an informed decision – and in these cases that didn't initially happen,” says Scott Necklen.

“It’s critical that all candidates and voters are treated consistently and fairly, especially with a referendum taking place that determines the future of Māori Wards. We want voters to understand the implications of their vote for the community, and the visibility and voices of Māori ward candidates plays a key role in that process.

“It’s a serious issue, and a threat to democracy if we don’t get it right.”

Scott Necklen says that while steps have been taken by the electoral service providers to urgently rectify the issue, broader system change is needed.

“Since last year we've been calling for change in how local elections are run, given declining voter turnout and a perceived apathy towards local government, which delivers critical services everyone uses every day.

“LGNZ’s Electoral Reform Working Group has released 20 recommendations on the future of local elections. This included that local elections should be run by the Electoral Commission from 2028 onwards.

“While New Zealand’s election services providers do a good job with the resources available, the issues we’ve seen this year reinforce the need for one centralised provider to run local elections to provide consistency for all candidates and voters.”