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3068 days ago

REPLACING FPP WITH STV

Reynold Neighbourly Lead from Hillcrest - Pomare

Council referred the option of replacing First-Past-the-Post (FPP) voting with Single-Transferable-Vote (STV) to the Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee. Te Tatau o Te Arawa, Lakes Community Board, Rural Community Board and the public can now provide input before Council makes its final decision by 12 September.

FPP, where voters tick candidates, is familiar and more easily understood. But it is more likely than STV to lead to councils that do not have the support of the majority in the community. It is also more likely that greater numbers of voters will not have representation.

STV, where voters rank candidates 1, 2, 3 …, transfers votes for the least preferred candidates until all places are filled. STV is fairer because outcomes are more representative of voters’ preferences. Voters don’t need to know how preferences are allocated to get this benefit.

DHBs are required by law to use STV. Where local councils switch from FPP to STV the number of invalid votes drops from about 9 to 1.5 per cent. There will be fewer wasted votes if Council adopts STV and those elected will be more likely to have the support of a majority of voters.

I urge residents and ratepayers, and our policy advisory boards, to advise Council that STV is better able to deliver fairer representation, reflect the distinctive nature of our community, and to elect candidates that best represent our interests.

REYNOLD MACPHERSON
Rotorua

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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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5 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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6 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

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 it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 42.4% Yes
    42.4% Complete
  • 32.7% Maybe?
    32.7% Complete
  • 24.9% No
    24.9% Complete
672 votes