There are calls for a wide-ranging independent inquiry into local government elections following dismal voter turnout.
Provisional figures showed just 36% of voters turned out nationally this election, which was expected to increase by 2-3% at the final tally.
Now Local Government New Zealand wants a ‘‘short, sharp and independent review’’ to boost turnout in the future.
Engagement varied widely in the South, as voters in some districts turned out in droves while others were much lower than in 2019.
In Dunedin as of Saturday night, turnout was 48.21%, up from 45.6% in 2019.
The Gore and Clutha districts also had higher turnout than at the last election. Gore’s was 49.57% (45.05% in 2019) while Clutha’s was 47% (38.9% in 2019).
But elsewhere voter turnout was significantly lower.
Among the biggest drops were Central Otago, down from 56.27% to 44.74%, Waitaki which was down to 46.89% from 54.39%, and Queenstown-Lakes, which dropped from 47.02% to 42.44%.
‘‘To make a real difference, however, it will require a deliberate effort by councils and communities to better engage with each other in the decisions councils are making, so voters feel more connected to local government, as well as making the process of voting easier,’’ Mr Crosby said.
The organisation wanted to work with central government to review things like communication, engagement, the practicality of postal voting, and access to ballot boxes in remote areas.
Preliminary statistics showed rural turnout dropped by 7.5% and provincial turnout was down 6.5%.
LGNZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene wanted a ‘‘short, sharp and independent review’’ that should feed into the Future for Local Government Review as well as the review of Parliamentary Electoral Law.
‘‘Ultimately, we want practical recommendations that are taken on board by the Government so we can make voting much more accessible in the local elections in 2025.
‘‘Councils are making important decisions that will have wide-ranging impacts on future generations. Alongside the voting process, LGNZ will be leading work so councils can incorporate participatory democracy into their decision making.’’
National leader Christopher Luxon said there needed to be changes to lift the low rates of voting, while Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said voting did need to be made easier in local body elections.
‘‘I’m also keen to work with local government on how we make voting more accessible. Greater participation in elections is good for democracy!’’
