Let's Talk - an app that connects voters with candidates
The "Let's Talk" app connecting voters and candidates in the New Plymouth District for the local body elections is up and running www.stuff.co.nz... .
A similar app is running in Rotorua and the opportunity was offered to our local council to pick it up as well. They declined in favour of an in-house solution they were developing which delivers only a fraction of what this app does.
The app was rolled out to candidates last week to allow them to see it, update their profiles and images and to start answering some of the questions which might help reveal to us whether they actually understand what local government is for (and not for) and what governance skills are actually needed beyond an ability to read an officer's report.
The app is also now available for free in the google and apple stores ;
play.google.com...
apps.apple.com...
While I am hopeful that this might actually sort out the wheat from the chaff so that we actually end up with people who can properly govern the district, it does come down to people and candidates engaging with this product that goes beyond empty sloganeering and name recognition that characterises the usual process. Will it change the outcome and reverse the rapid slide of interest in local government? We live in hope.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
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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41.7% Yes
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31.6% Maybe?
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26.8% No
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Closing for the festive season
Kia ora
Our Office will be closed from Friday 19th December 2025, reopen on 19th January 2026.
Wishing everyone a Meri Kirihimete /Merry Christmas and a safe and wonderful New Year.
All the best for 2026
Marie & Wendy
Volunteering New Plymouth
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