1694 days ago

We Say/You Say: MMP

Reporter Whangārei Leader

Hi Whangārei,

Would you support the introduction of MMP to local body elections?

A former Labour minister has called on the government to implement MMP as the voting system for local body elections in a bid to 'fix' local government.

Peter Neilson, an economist, is a former Labour MP for Miramar, a Minister of Revenue, Works and Associate Minister of Finance. Neilson explains how MMP could have a positive impact on civic participation after data from Internal Affairs showed a decline in voter turnout.

Around four out of 10 New Zealanders on the electoral role turned out to vote in the last set of local elections. In comparison, around seven or eight out 10 voted in the general election last year.

Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Whangārei Leader.

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5 hours ago

CAB REOPENS 5 JANY 2026

Jill Smith from Citizens Advice Bureau Far North (CAB)

Happy New Year to all our Far Northerners.

We will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026 Our hours are Monday to Thursday from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and Fridays from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

No matter what your issue is, please don't hesitate to give us a call on 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email us farnorth@cab.org.nz or pop in and see us at 6 Cobham Road, Procter Library Building, Kerikeri.