Local elections are different this year
It’s a local elections year, and the Deputy Electoral Officer for Whangārei District, Nicolene Pestana, says there are two key differences to look out for: a new way of voting called ‘Single Transferrable Vote’ (STV), and a poll on our Māori Ward.
“The STV voting process is easy. Instead of ticking your favourite candidate, this year you’ll be asked to number the candidates from the one you like the most (which would be your number 1) to the one you like the least. You do not have to rank every candidate."
1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣
A formula is used to distribute votes once successful candidates have passed the ‘quota’, which allows your second and third (and so on) votes to count, rather than being "lost" as they would be in a First Past the Post system.
“The second thing to keep an eye out for is the Māori Ward Poll, which will be posted to you as part of your voting documents. This is an important question for everyone, regardless of your ethnicity or which electoral roll you’re on."
The options are: 🅰️ ‘I vote to keep the Māori ward/ constituency’, or 🅱️‘I vote to remove the Māori ward/constituency’.
We have more info for candidates and voters at www.wdc.govt.nz...
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.2% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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