Local government Vote2016 campaign gains major partners

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has signed up a number of major partners in the Vote2016 campaign to lift nationwide voter participation in the October local council elections to more than 50 per cent.

Local election turnout has been declining since the 1980s with a total of only 42 per cent of New Zealanders voting in the 2013 elections.

LGNZ’s Vote2016 campaign will address this by working with participating local councils, community and business groups and other stakeholders to showcase the value local government provides to communities across the country.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule welcomes a range of major partners coming on board, including Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce, Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Federated Farmers, Fish and Game NZ, Iwi Leaders Forum, Ministry for Women, NZ Council for Infrastructure Development and Property Council New Zealand.

“Getting these major partners on board is integral to the Vote2016 campaign – they’ll each bring their own expertise and networks to help reach and inspire voters and candidates. They can relate and extend Vote2016’s messages to their audiences, increasing the reception and reach of the campaign while using the wider platform to promote their message.”

Mr Yule said LGNZ research shows a significant number of citizens are interested in the local government process but don’t vote, or want to vote but say it’s too hard to find the information to make an informed decision about candidates.

“With the support of these partners, Vote2016 will ensure voters have access to the information they need about local candidates standing and about the voting process, including when, where and how they can vote,” said Mr Yule.

“These partners will also help inspire the committed and talented people in their networks to stand for office locally and to vote in their local elections as that’s the most powerful ways to influence positive outcomes in their communities,” he said.

LGNZ are interested in talking to other organisations that would like to support Vote2016 – contact vote2016@lgnz.co.nz

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