​Electoral System and Right to Demand a Poll 2020

Notice is given under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001, that at a meeting held on 12 August 2020, the Southland Regional Council (known as Environment Southland) resolved to retain the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system for its 2022 triennial local body election.

Electors of Environment Southland have a right to demand a poll at any time to countermand the resolution to use the First Past the Post electoral system. Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 21 February 2021 (effective 22 February 2021), a poll will be held by 21 May 2021 on whether the First Past the Post or the Single Transferable Voting electoral system will be used for the next two triennial elections (2022 and 2025) of Environment Southland. If a valid demand for a poll is received after 21 February 2021 (effective 22 February 2021), a poll will be held after 21 May 2021 with the outcome applicable for the 2025 and 2028 triennial elections.

A valid demand must be:

• made in writing;
• signed by at least 5% of eligible electors of Environment Southland. This equates to 3,358 elector signatures;
• delivered to Environment Southland, corner of North Road and Price Street, Waikiwi, Invercargill by 5.00 pm, Monday, 22 February 2021 (for the outcome of the poll to apply to the 2022 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.

R A Phillips

Chief Executive