Local Elections Face Criticism Over Uncontested Seats

As local elections approach this weekend, concerns are mounting over the number of uncontested seats in various councils across New Zealand. In many regions, candidates are winning by default, raising questions about the effectiveness and necessity of the current local governance structure.

Looking at the current landscape, over 200 council races have seen candidates elected without opposition. This means that approximately one in every seven council races will not involve any voting. For instance, in the Hurunui district, Marie Black has already secured her position as mayor without facing any challengers. Similarly, Michael Ford will continue as mayor of Manawatū, also unopposed.

The trend of uncontested elections extends to more than 80 councillors who have already been elected across the country, including several members of the Southland Regional Council. Other areas, such as Lower Hutt, Buller, Stratford, and Marlborough, have seen similar results. This pattern raises significant concerns about the engagement of local communities in the electoral process.

In addition to uncontested mayoral positions, there are numerous empty seats on community boards in places like the Rotorua Lakes, New Plymouth’s Kaitake, Clifton, rural Hastings, Hanmer Springs, Twizel, and Mataura. The lack of candidates willing to step forward suggests a mismatch between the number of available positions and the interest from the community.

Residents are encouraged to scrutinize their voting papers and participate in the electoral process. A voter in Auckland noted the overwhelming number of local board candidates, stating, “I had one vote for mayor, one for council, and up to seven for my local board. I didn’t know all the candidates well enough to make informed choices.” This sentiment reflects a common frustration among voters who may feel disconnected from local politics.

In Auckland alone, the election process will result in the appointment of 172 local board politicians, not including those on the local licensing board. The remuneration for the most junior councillors starts at over $54,000 each, leading to questions about the value provided by such a large number of representatives.

Critics argue that the current system may be outdated and in need of reform. The presence of numerous unchallenged seats indicates that the electorate may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of positions available, prompting calls for a reevaluation of local governance.

The upcoming elections could serve as a pivotal moment for local bodies across New Zealand to reconsider their structure and approach to community engagement. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the focus remains on ensuring that local governance reflects the interests and needs of the community it serves.