Electoral System and Right to Demand a Poll
Notice is given under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 that the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system will continue to be used for the next triennial election of the Southland Regional Council (known as Environment Southland) in 2025.
Electors of Environment Southland have a right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used for the election of the Council. Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 11 December 2023, a poll will be held by 14 March 2024 on whether the Single Transferable Voting or the First Past the Post electoral system will be used for the next two triennial elections (2025 and 2028) of the Council. If a valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2023, a poll will be held after 14 March 2024 with the outcome applicable for the 2028 and 2031 triennial elections.
A valid demand must be:
- made in writing;
- signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of Environment Southland. This equates to 3,465 elector signatures;
- delivered to Environment Southland, corner of North Road and Price Street, Waikiwi, Invercargill by 5pm, Monday 11 December 2023 (for the outcome of the poll to apply to the 2025 triennial election of Environment Southland).
Every elector who signs a demand must also set out in it their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of Environment Southland.
