Yet another take on what the NZ local body elections mean

Yet another take on what the NZ local body elections mean
Tepid endorsements didn't help Labour mayoral candidates in Auckland or Wellington. (Image: NZME)
Pattrick Smellie
What do we know about local body elections? Firstly, property owners vote more than renters. Hence the turnout in Auckland’s eastern and north shore suburbs came in up to four times higher than in south Auckland.Postal voting is obviously part of the problem.In the south, the letterbox is more a source for worrying news from government agencies or letters intended for previous tenants than it is a portal to democratic empowerment.Meanwhile, it’s hardly news that no one under 40 has much experience of actually posting a letter.We&rsq...

More Opinion

Why does NZ suck at building brands
Markets

Eden Bradfield: Why does NZ suck at building brands

Let the French have Fonterra brands, Eden Bradfield writes.

Eden Bradfield 06 Sep 2025
Taxes: here, there and everywhere
Opinion

Simon Robertson: Taxes: here, there and everywhere

NZ should clean up its tax system to make it the simplest system in the world.

Simon Robertson 06 Sep 2025
Will Sharesies investors still support Me Today?
Retail

Stock & Trade: Will Sharesies investors still support Me Today?

Me Today is launching its fifth capital raise since March 2020.

Stock & Trade 05 Sep 2025
Absenteeism: When can you fairly cry halt?
Law & Regulation

Rachael Judge: Absenteeism: When can you fairly cry halt?

Even with strong justification for dismissal, employers can let themselves down.

Rachael Judge 05 Sep 2025