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.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
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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4.6% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
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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