Gisborne voters urged to post local body election papers by Tuesday

Gisborne District Council voting papers should be posted by Tuesday or can otherwise be deposited in various ballot boxes around the region, including at the council offices in Fitzherbert St. Papers received after midday on Saturday will not be counted.

People wanting to post their voting papers for the local elections have just a day to do so.

Gisborne District Council, on its website, advises the public to “post it at any NZ Post mailbox by Tuesday 7 October to ensure it arrives in time”.

Voting papers received after midday on Saturday will not be counted.

Ballot papers can also be deposited in orange ballot boxes distributed around Gisborne.

According to voting figures released by the district council on Monday, voter turnout in Gisborne is close to national voting figures.

As of Monday morning, the turnout in Gisborne was 23.9% compared to the national average of 25%.

Gisborne voter turnout was slightly better than at the same time in 2019 (22.1%) and significantly better than at the same time in 2016 (16%).

In the general ward, 5575 votes had been received (25%) as of Monday morning, with the highest polling day being October 1 (650 votes).

In the Māori ward, 2575 votes (22%) had been received, with October 1 also the highest polling day (300).

Local Government New Zealand interim chief executive Scott Necklen said voting numbers were “significantly up” from the last election but urged against complacency.

“While the numbers are an encouraging sign, it is important that those who haven’t voted yet don’t forget to do so in the final run-up to elections.

“Based on the figures, this year’s local elections have the potential to better the 40% voter turnout in 2022.”

Gisborne’s voter turnout in 2022 was 43.4% while it was 51.5% in Wairoa.

“Almost all councils are tracking ahead in this regard, particularly rural councils, which have seen almost a quarter of eligible voters cast their votes,” Necklen said.

The highest percentage of voting papers received was in Wairoa (as at October 1) with 33.36%, or 1900 votes.

“This is encouraging as we know the bulk of voting paper returns – up to 70% of the total number for some councils – typically happens in the last seven days before an election,“ Necklen said.

“We believe the extra week of voting this year - alongside more orange ballot boxes in place - compared to previous elections have played a key role in these numbers.”

Gisborne District Council voting papers can be deposited in orange ballot boxes at:

• Gisborne
• Elgin - Shop N’ Save.
• Kaiti – FreshChoice Kaiti at Kaiti Hub.
• Hicks Bay – Hicks Bay General Store.
• Matawai – Matawai Camp & Store.
• Ruatōria – Four Square Ruatōria.
• Te Araroa – Four Square Te Araroa.
• Te Karaka – Rangatira Motors.
• Te Puia Springs – Te Puia Springs Service Centre, during business hours and voting day 9am to 12 noon.
• Tikitiki - Waiapu RSA.
• Tokomaru Bay – The Fish Shop.
• Tolaga Bay – George & Mildred’s Supermarket.