How to maximise our electorate's representation in Parliament
During the last parliamentary term (2020-2023) we were fortunate to have two Members of Parliament (MPs) represent our Whangārei general electorate, Dr Emily Henderson (Labour) and Dr Shane Reti (National).
As it stands, Dr Reti will return to Parliament, no matter the outcome of the upcoming general election, since he is ranked #4 on the National Party list. Giving our electorate vote to him will not influence that in any way - in fact, we will indirectly vote for a random National Party candidate way down the list (in the 40s or 50s), who will represent a different electorate (or none at all). It is prudent to give our electoral vote to a different Whangārei candidate who is ranked low on their respective party's list and won't make it into Parliament on the party vote. That way we will once again be represented by two MPs and double our chances that our electorate's issues and wishes will be recognised and included. The same logic applies to our Te Tai Tokerau Māori electorate, where the incumbent MP Kelvin Davis (Labour) is also guaranteed a seat in the next Parliament, being ranked #2 on the Labour Party list.
As for our party vote, it makes sense to vote for the party we like best and which aligns most with our values, rather than voting "tactically" for a party we don't really prefer, just to try and keep another party out that we like even less. Voting for the party we really support will increase their number of MPs in Parliament (or give them a real chance to make it past the dreaded 5% threshold) and also improve their representation on select committees, where the real work is done and submissions are being heard between the first and second readings of new legislation. If we don't vote for the party we most identify with, we will rob them of the opportunity to make a difference at the negotiation table and shape future legislation in the way we want.
Let's not waste our two votes on a candidate who will get in anyway, or a party we don't actually want (or worst of all, by not voting at all).
To find an advanced voting place, or a voting place on election day, click here.
Christmas / New Year Hours for JP Service Desks
Please note that the Northland Justices of the Peace Association's Service Desks in the Whangarei urban area will be closed from 12.00 noon on Wednesday 24 December and will reopen again the week commencing Monday 5 January 2026.
The attached document shows our Whangarei Service Desk venues and hours as from 5 January 2026.
Our other Service desks' Christmas / New Year hours are as follows:
Kaiwaka: Closed from 6pm 22 December and reopening 4 pm 5 January 2026;
Dargaville: Open 11 / 18 December for the usual hours at Dargaville Library (note change of venue) and reopening 8 January 2026, back at Whanau Focus;
Mangawhai: Closed from 12 noon 20 December and reopening 10 January 2026 at 10 am;
Ruakaka: Closed from 12 noon 20 December and reopening 10 January 2026 at 10 am.
If you urgently need a JP over this period, please go to www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz... and use the "Find a JP" button to find the closest JP to you.
Best wishes to all for a safe and happy festive season.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
What are some of your Festive Tips?
We’re gathering the community’s very best festive tips, to-dos, and treasured traditions all in one cheerful place!
🎄 Got a shortcut that saves your sanity?
🎄 A recipe that must make an appearance every year?
🎄 Or a clever idea that makes the holidays smoother, warmer, or a whole lot more magical?
🎄 Got a time-saving holiday hack?
🎄 A tradition that fills your home with cheer?
🎄 Or a crafty idea that turns simple moments into magical memories?
Share your festive wisdom with your neighbours and help make this season brighter for everyone!
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