Candidate comparison websites are a vital election tool, but can they be trusted?

Candidate comparison websites are a vital election tool, but can they be trusted?
Politics lecturer Julienne Molineaux says candidate scorecards provide voters with a much-needed information shortcut. (Image: Supplied)
Jem Traylen
Voting in local elections isn’t easy, particularly for those of us who don’t closely follow council politics. Busy and overwhelmed voters are increasingly turning to websites that provide easy side-by-side comparisons of candidates. But are these a useful addition to our democracy or are they simply a tool for manipulating an unsuspecting public? BusinessDesk looked at three popular websites: Policy.nz, How to Vote and Vote Local.We can unreservedly recommend Policy.nz due to its totally non-partisan and objective approach...

More Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform
Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform

The Retirement Commissioner says KiwiSaver does not work equally well for everyone.

Digital Investment Plan expected this month
Policy

Digital Investment Plan expected this month

Health NZ to release its 10-year Digital Investment Plan in Christchurch.

Cécile Meier 14 Nov 2025
Emissions impacts of NZ's largest companies under microscope
Policy

Emissions impacts of NZ's largest companies under microscope

Nearly half of NZ's biggest companies increased their emissions last year.

Michael Neilson 13 Nov 2025
Electricity Authority launches review as questions linger
Policy Analysis

Electricity Authority launches review as questions linger

The review has been described as a ‘rare opportunity for genuine transformation’. 

Ian Llewellyn 10 Nov 2025