Local elections are different this year
It’s a local elections year, and the Deputy Electoral Officer for Whangārei District, Nicolene Pestana, says there are two key differences to look out for: a new way of voting called ‘Single Transferrable Vote’ (STV), and a poll on our Māori Ward.
“The STV voting process is easy. Instead of ticking your favourite candidate, this year you’ll be asked to number the candidates from the one you like the most (which would be your number 1) to the one you like the least. You do not have to rank every candidate."
1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣
A formula is used to distribute votes once successful candidates have passed the ‘quota’, which allows your second and third (and so on) votes to count, rather than being "lost" as they would be in a First Past the Post system.
“The second thing to keep an eye out for is the Māori Ward Poll, which will be posted to you as part of your voting documents. This is an important question for everyone, regardless of your ethnicity or which electoral roll you’re on."
The options are: 🅰️ ‘I vote to keep the Māori ward/ constituency’, or 🅱️‘I vote to remove the Māori ward/constituency’.
We have more info for candidates and voters at www.wdc.govt.nz...
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.2% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.4% Nah - not for me
Morning Aches Are Optional - Let’s Start the Year Sleeping Better
Hey neighbours,
Waking up with sore shoulders and stiff mornings? Here’s the plot twist - it might actually be your mattress (and pillow) letting you down.
It’s the perfect time to upgrade. New Year, New Bed! Our Boxing Day Sale is still on, so why not treat yourself to a mattress that actually supports you and helps you wake up refreshed? Side sleeper? Back sleeper? Tossing and turning? We’ve got tips and solutions for every kind of snoozer.
Don’t settle for mornings that hurt, your bed should work with you, not against you. Curious about how your mattress could be affecting your shoulders? Check out our blog: beds4u.co.nz...
Find your nearest Beds4U store here: beds4u.co.nz/store-locator
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz/boxing-day
Here’s to starting 2026 waking up refreshed, because mornings should feel amazing!
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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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