Call for community voice to be heard
The Rangitīkei District Council is encouraging all eligible voters to take part in its coming by-election.
The by-election was being held to fill a vacant role in the southern ward after councillor Jarrod Calkin resigned in December to focus on his job and family commitments.
The council received four nominations for the vacant spot: Mark Anderson, David Christison, Gail Reid and Paul Sharland.
Voting documents will be sent to eligible voters from March 21 and voting closes at 12pm on April 12.
When the council last held a by-election in 2021 the turnout was abysmal, with just 447 people voting, a 15% turnout.
Stuff asked the Rangitīkei District Council what it was doing to promote this year’s by-election and encourage people to vote.
A statement attributed to a spokesperson said the council had information on its elections webpage and frequent updates on social media.
The Bulls Community Committee is hosting a meet-the-candidates evening at 7pm on Friday, March 15 at Te Matapihi - Bulls Community Centre.
“Details on who is eligible to vote, how to enrol to vote, special votes and voting locations is all advertised on our webpage.
“Bulls residents will receive a voting pack in the mail with details on the candidates and information for voting.”
Stuff also asked it anything would be done differently this year compared with the previous by-election or other elections.
The statement said there were specific guidelines around a by-election the council would follow.
The council was keen to emphasise how it was “hugely important” for people to vote. “When you vote, you are endorsing that person to be the community voice at the council table, the person to best represent you and your community.
“By not voting you are not backing your community to be heard.”
Local Government New Zealand chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said local body elections had only half the voters a general election did and it was often less for a by-election.
“However, by-elections can flip the power on a council and can be just as important as the main elections.
“Councils are facing some big choices as they decide on their long-term plans. Voting ensures good representation at the council table as decisions are made.”
Freeman-Greene said it was important young people, who had the lowest voter turnout, get out and vote as decisions councils made now would affect future generations.