How to maximise our electorate's representation in Parliament
During the last parliamentary term (2020-2023) we were fortunate to have two Members of Parliament (MPs) represent our Whangārei general electorate, Dr Emily Henderson (Labour) and Dr Shane Reti (National).
As it stands, Dr Reti will return to Parliament, no matter the outcome of the upcoming general election, since he is ranked #4 on the National Party list. Giving our electorate vote to him will not influence that in any way - in fact, we will indirectly vote for a random National Party candidate way down the list (in the 40s or 50s), who will represent a different electorate (or none at all). It is prudent to give our electoral vote to a different Whangārei candidate who is ranked low on their respective party's list and won't make it into Parliament on the party vote. That way we will once again be represented by two MPs and double our chances that our electorate's issues and wishes will be recognised and included. The same logic applies to our Te Tai Tokerau Māori electorate, where the incumbent MP Kelvin Davis (Labour) is also guaranteed a seat in the next Parliament, being ranked #2 on the Labour Party list.
As for our party vote, it makes sense to vote for the party we like best and which aligns most with our values, rather than voting "tactically" for a party we don't really prefer, just to try and keep another party out that we like even less. Voting for the party we really support will increase their number of MPs in Parliament (or give them a real chance to make it past the dreaded 5% threshold) and also improve their representation on select committees, where the real work is done and submissions are being heard between the first and second readings of new legislation. If we don't vote for the party we most identify with, we will rob them of the opportunity to make a difference at the negotiation table and shape future legislation in the way we want.
Let's not waste our two votes on a candidate who will get in anyway, or a party we don't actually want (or worst of all, by not voting at all).
To find an advanced voting place, or a voting place on election day, click here.
Whangarei Film Society - screenings for Thursday March 5th
Good People
We are glad to be back for 2026 and thrilled that the first WFS event for the year was so well attended. We had over 170 people see the brilliant documentary, Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke.
Our next film night is on Thursday 5th March in the Capitaine Bougainville Theatre at Forum North.
At 6pm, WFS will screen the Canadian documentary about the lives of artists in isolated regional areas etching out a career for themselves, RENDERING VISIONS.
Please note: This screening includes an interview with the film's director, Ms Ashley Laurenson, straight after the screening of the film, so don't miss it.
Our 8pm screening is the NZ documentary and tribute to a comedy legend, NOT ONLY FRED DAGG BUT ALSO JOHN CLARKE.
RENDERING VISIONS
Canada, Documentary 2025, 64 mins
Cast: Liana Wheeldon, Renee Manners
Director: Ashley Laurenson
Alberta Canada is home to Fort McMurray, a region rich in oil sands and it's a cornerstone of the nation's petroleum industry.
But for the creative community of Fort McMurray, the path is less clear.
So, through a series of interviews, local Director, Ashley Laurenson asks the question - “What do artists need to thrive in an isolated community?”
Laurenson explore the struggles, resiliency and creativity in the region as she compiles heartfelt stories from local artists, historical accounts from arts champions and messages of hope for future artists.
PLEASE NOTE: The screening on 5th March will include an interview with the director, Ashley Laurenson following the screening of the film.
Showing at Forum North, 7 Rust Ave Whangarei on Thursday, 5th March at 6pm (plus director interview) and Thursday, 12th March at 8pm (film only)
View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...
Tickets: Door sales only. $10 WFS members. Non-members pay $5 extra as an Associate Membership fee, per film. (Total of $15)
All welcome. Cash only please – no Eftpos available.
Like us on Facebook or visit whangareifilmsociety.org to sign up for free updates each week on the films we're screening.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
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