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2673 days ago

REPLACING FPP WITH STV

Reynold Neighbourly Lead from Hillcrest - Pomare

Council referred the option of replacing First-Past-the-Post (FPP) voting with Single-Transferable-Vote (STV) to the Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee. Te Tatau o Te Arawa, Lakes Community Board, Rural Community Board and the public can now provide input before Council makes its final decision by 12 September.

FPP, where voters tick candidates, is familiar and more easily understood. But it is more likely than STV to lead to councils that do not have the support of the majority in the community. It is also more likely that greater numbers of voters will not have representation.

STV, where voters rank candidates 1, 2, 3 …, transfers votes for the least preferred candidates until all places are filled. STV is fairer because outcomes are more representative of voters’ preferences. Voters don’t need to know how preferences are allocated to get this benefit.

DHBs are required by law to use STV. Where local councils switch from FPP to STV the number of invalid votes drops from about 9 to 1.5 per cent. There will be fewer wasted votes if Council adopts STV and those elected will be more likely to have the support of a majority of voters.

I urge residents and ratepayers, and our policy advisory boards, to advise Council that STV is better able to deliver fairer representation, reflect the distinctive nature of our community, and to elect candidates that best represent our interests.

REYNOLD MACPHERSON
Rotorua

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What gets wet while drying?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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1 day ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 5.1% Second half of November
    5.1% Complete
  • 44.1% 1st December
    44.1% Complete
  • 17.1% A week before Christmas
    17.1% Complete
  • 32.4% Whenever you wish
    32.4% Complete
  • 1.3% Other - I'll share below
    1.3% Complete
1124 votes
15 hours ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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