Momentum on Auckland City STV Referendum

Thousands of Auckland City voters flocked to the STV Poll Demand stall at the Grey Lynn Festival this past weekend, bringing the total number of signatures collected to date well over the 5,000 mark. Electoral reform advocates will be out in full force over the next two weeks at many of the council-sponsored public parades and music events and look forward to speaking with voters eager to have a say in their own democracy.

“We had over 50 volunteers at the Festival and we could barely keep up with the demand of people wanting to sign or wanting to know more about STV,” said STV campaign organiser Lynne Serpe who wore a ‘Give John Banks STV’ bright yellow T-Shirt during the event. “People were outraged that the Auckland City Council voted against public consultation on this issue while voting to retain the system they were elected under.”

“It’s very simple,” Ms. Serpe said. “We give the Council their jobs – we should have a say in how they get there.”

The campaign has gained massive local support according to STV advocate Richard Green, "We are very pleased with the number of people who have signed so far and encourage Auckland City residents who want a say in their own democracy to sign now because, in a few short weeks, this opportunity will have passed us by.”

Mr. Green went on further to state, “When we finish collecting the 12,684 signatures required, the Council will be obliged to do what they could have done all along – let the voters decide.”

Auckland City is not alone in going for a referendum on the local voting system. There are Poll Demand campaigns taking place in over 20 council areas, including Christchurch, Palmerston North and Dunedin. Hamilton residents turned their signatures in last week, while STV advocates in Wellington and Whangarei are educating voters about the benefits and simplicity of STV during their council-sponsored referenda taking place this month.

The campaign aims to collect at least another 8000 signatures to ensure enough valid signatures are handed to the Auckland City Council at next month’s 12 December deadline. "Local STV supporters will definitely not be resting in the two weeks remaining to collect signatures." said Mr. Green. “Petitions can be found at the Public Libraries or can be electronically downloaded from the Auckland City page of http://www.stvnz.org/ or you can call 09-361-5975 to have one mailed to you.”

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