Voter turnout in the Far North local elections is so far lagging behind that of the 2010 poll, despite a wider choice of candidates.
As of September 30, 6036 votes had been received from 37,450 registered voters. That means just over 16 per cent of voters had had their say,compared to 19 per cent at the same stage of the 2010 elections. The final turnout in 2010 was 47 per cent.
So far the most committed voters are in Doubtless Bay (20 per cent) and the least interested are in Kerikeri (14 per cent). Some traditional low-voting areas are polling relatively strongly, possibly reflecting a drive to get Maori voters engaged. Kawakawa-Moerewa, for example, is just under 19 per cent.
The 2010 mayoral race saw former Auckland Airport boss Sir John Goulter take on the incumbent Wayne Brown, with councillor Laurie Byers and artist Hugh McKechnie adding interest to the campaign. Mr Brown won but with a majority slashed from just under 5000 to a little over 500.
This time seven candidates are contesting the mayoralty, although it is expected to come down to a two-horse race between Mr Brown and former Northland MP John Carter. Also running are current deputy mayor Ann Court, Mita Harris, Rueben Taipari Porter, Allan Titford and Sarah Watson.
The number of candidates contesting council and community board seats is higher than in 2010. The Kaikohe-Hokianga ward is hotly contested with eight candidates chasing two council seats. Eleven candidates are vying for three Te Hiku seats and 14 for four Bay of Islands-Whangaroa seats.
Voting forms need to be in the mail by October 9 to be sure they will arrive at the counting centre in Auckland by the time polls close at noon on October 12.
Alternatively, forms can be dropped into sealed boxes at the council offices in Kaikohe, Te Ahu in Kaitaia and the Procter Library in Kerikeri.
