Regional council opts to stick with first past the post

Waikato regional councillors have opted to stick with the first past the post voting system for the 2016 triennial election.

Other options before today’s council meeting included a change to single transferable voting (STV), a poll of electors views and simply advertising the right of people to ask for a poll on the voting system.

Cr Peter Buckley, seconded by Cr Jane Hennebry, moved a motion to retain first past the past.

During discussion on the motion, Cr Hugh Vercoe, the former mayor of Matamata-Piako, noted that this district had tried STV but it had presented difficulties and there had been a return to first past the post.

No councillor voted against retaining first past the post.

By no later than 19 September, public notice will be given of the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used by the council.

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