Local Voting system to change
š³ļø Whangarei District Council has decided to elect the Mayor and Councillors for the 2025 and 2028 local elections using a Single Transferable Vote system
How does STV work? 1ļøā£2ļøā£3ļøā£
Instead of putting a tick beside the candidates you want to vote for, you rank them with numbers: '1' for first choice, '2' for second choice, '3' for third choice and so on. If a voter's first choice doesn't have enough support to get in, their vote transfers to their second choice. If their second choice doesn't have enough support to get in, their vote transfers to their next choice, and so on.
Voters can still choose just 1 candidate if they prefer, but those votes wouldn't transfer if the candidate is not elected. Under STV, voters can support as many or as few candidates as they like.
The change to use STV may be overturned if 5% of the Districtās electors demand a poll by 11 December 2023 to countermand Augustās decision. For more information, please click "Read More"
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, thereās a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need šŖš°šŖ
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship ā like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Donāt Overthink Itā¦ Or Do?š
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!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealandās 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 Zealandās 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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