Matariki Week One Highlights
Get ready for an incredible start to Matariki Festival as we unveil a lineup of thrilling events in week one! đ
With over 100 events to pick from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Get a sneak peek đ
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? âïžâđ„â
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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By-election for Otara-Papatoetoe area
Just to let everyone know that we have another by-election happening, and here is the reason why. Below are details and dates, so keep an eye on your letter boxes.
The Manukau Courtâs Ruling
The Manukau District Court determined that the Papatoetoe subdivision result of the ĆtaraâPapatoetoe Local Board election was invalid, ruling that the outcome had been âmaterially affectedâ by voting irregularities. Judge Richard McIlraith found that the scale and nature of the irregularities met the legal threshold required to void an election under New Zealandâs local electoral laws.
In his decision, Judge McIlraith stated that the evidence presented â including reports of stolen voting papers, fraudulent use of ballots, and other procedural irregularities â was sufficient to conclude that the integrity of the election had been compromised. The court noted that at least 79 voting papers were identified as having been cast without the rightful voterâs knowledge during a judicially supervised examination of ballot boxes.
While the judge acknowledged that the election had been administered âproperly and in accordance with all requirementsâ by Independent Election Services and the electoral officer, he concluded that the fraudulent activity originated outside the official process and nonetheless impacted the final result to a degree that required the election to be voided.
As a result of the ruling, the court ordered that a new election must be held, with Auckland Council confirming that the fresh poll must be completed by 9 April 2026
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to âexuberanceâ? đ„
In The Postâs opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, weâre âallergic to exuberance.â
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps itâs worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.3% Yes
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33.9% Maybe?
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24.8% No
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