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Local Election News

Auckland councillors give maiden speeches
Members of Auckland Council are giving their maiden speeches on the second day of their first meeting.
More planning needed, Key warns Auckland
Prime Minister John Key says more planning is needed before big projects such as rail get the go-ahead in Auckland.
Councillor gets Maori interests role
Councillor Alf Filapaina has been given responsibility for looking after Maori interests on Auckland Council.
Further delays on projects not an option, says Brown
Auckland Mayor Len Brown has been sworn into office, saying the region can no longer postpone significant and costly projects.
Fresh start ahead for city, says Key
Prime Minister John Key says Monday signals a fresh start for Auckland as its super-council meets for the first time.
Dawn ceremony for Auckland Council
Auckland Council officially came into being in a dawn ceremony on Monday.
Forecast of further big savings by super city
The Auckland Transition Agency says further savings of up to $100 million per year could flow from the amalgamation of the eight councils in Auckland into the new super city.
Olympic champion to be ambassador for Auckland
Olympic champion runner Sir John Walker is to become Auckland's ambassador in a new regional hierarchy unveiled on Thursday.
Auckland Council to push hard for transport funding
The new Auckland Council is telling the Government it should prepare for tough talk on funding for the new council's transport plans.
Tamihere on Auckland statutory board 'under protest'
One of the biggest critics of the Auckland super city's Maori statutory board has been appointed to the body.
Auckland campaign group complains over police role
A group of local body election candidates in Auckland has formally complained about what it says was the political involvement of the police in a rival campaign.
Judicial recount over six votes on Rodney board
A judicial recount is to be conducted into the outcome of voting for a seat on the Rodney Local Board in Auckland.
New Mayor wants McKinnon as deputy
New Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown is to nominate Ian McKinnon to continue in the role of deputy mayor.
Hardaker sworn-in as Hamilton mayor
The new mayor of Hamilton has been sworn into office.
Button elected deputy mayor of Christchurch
Christchurch City Council has elected Ngaire Button as deputy mayor.
Brown's vote crossed political lines, figures show
New voting figures on Auckland's super city mayoral race show Len Brown managed to cross traditional political lines in defeating John Banks.
Outgoing councillor fears for super city
An outgoing Auckland regional councillor has used his valedictory speech to take a swipe at the new super city, calling it a train wreck.
Pacific leaders urge community to unite and lobby hard
Pacific Island leaders in Auckland are urging their community to unite and support Mayor-elect Len Brown and the two Pacific Islanders on the new super city council.
Informal meeting held of new Auckland councillors
Auckland Mayor-elect Len Brown says the new Auckland Council is moving with pace and momentum to make sure a new political structure is put in place.
Super-city election fraud accused numbers rise
Two more people have been charged with forging super-city election papers in South Auckland.
Postal ballot system could be considered under review
Prime Minister John Key says the postal ballot format for local body elections could be looked at as part of a forthcoming constitutional review.
Warning by English over super city rail projects
Finance Minister Bill English is sending more warning signals over plans for major rail projects under the new Auckland Council. He says rail is horrendously expensive.
Interesting talks predicted between mayor and Govt
A Wellington City councillor believes interesting discussions lie ahead between the capital's new left-leaning mayor and the National-led Government.
Maori representation in Auckland must be ASAP - Lee
Former local government minister Sandra Lee says Auckland Council must act immediately to provide for Maori representation.
Wade-Brown Wellington's new mayor
Celia Wade-Brown has been elected the new mayor of Wellington in a close-fought race.
80 Jacobs' votes voided in capital DHB
About 80 people who voted for Mark Jacobs in the Capital and Coast District Health Board elections have had their votes declared void.
South Island mayors join forces over super city
At least 10 South Island mayors calling for a united approach to compete with the likely economic demands of the Auckland super city.
Maori 'well represented' on super council
Two councillors elected to Auckland's super city council say Maori will be well represented despite there not being dedicated seats.
Hulse chosen as Auckland's deputy mayor
Penny Hulse has been chosen as deputy mayor of Auckland's super council by mayor Len Brown.
Call for dedicated Maori seats on Auckland council
Several high-profile Maori say they will be ignored unless there are dedicated seats on the Auckland council.
Brown aims to limit rates increases to 4 percent
Auckland's new super-city mayor says he will try to keep rates increases to between 1% and 4%, but acknowledges he has yet to get a clear picture of the city's finances.
Close Wellington result put down to systems switch
Wellington's two main mayoral contenders think the switch from first- past-the-post to the single-transferable-vote system may have played a part in the close election result.
Call for review of postal ballots in local body elections
The president of Auckland's centre-right campaign ticket says it plans to lobby the Government about the use of postal ballots in local body elections.
Auckland mayor meets Key for first time in new role
Auckland's new mayor has already had his first formal engagement and has also met Prime Minister John Key.
Rankin elected to Waitemata health board
The former head of the Department of Work and Income, Christine Rankin, has been elected to the Waitemata District Health Board.
Fast, efficient rail priority for new mayor
Auckland Mayor-elect Len Brown wants fast, efficient rail that can be used as a springboard for economic growth.
New mayor for Porirua
Porirua has a new mayor. Councillor Nick Leggett won with 5930 votes.
Ogden not to run for mayor again
Defeated two-term Lower Hutt Mayor David Ogden says he won't run for mayor again.
Strong economic growth ahead - Parker
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker anticipates strong economic growth during the next three years during the rebuilding of the city.
Rebuilding Kaiapoi priority for new mayor
New Waimakariri District Mayor David Ayers says his priority will be rebuilding Kaiapoi, which was extensively damaged in the earthquake on 4 September.
New mayor wants openness
Whangarei Mayor-elect Morris Cutforth wants the district council to be known for a culture of openness. He knows he is a political novice, but he wants to encourage debate and public participation.
Boost in winter visitor numbers wanted at Kaikoura
Kaikoura's new Mayor Winston Gray says his main priority will be to improve the town's economy. He hopes to boost visitor numbers in winter.
Fixing Dunedin's debt big issue for new mayor
Dunedin's new mayor says one of the big issues facing the city is its debt.
Voter turn out pleasing - Hide
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says he is pleased by the voter turnout this year.
Hawkins deciding when to stand down
Manurewa Labour MP George Hawkins is taking time to decide when he will resign from Parliament, after winning a seat on the area's new community board.
Councillor elected to three local boards
One man has been elected to three community boards in Auckland. Warren Flaunty has also been elected to the Waitakere Licensing Trust.
Brown elected Auckland's first super city mayor
Auckland's first super city mayor will be Len Brown who received about 60,000 more votes than his nearest rival Auckland City Mayor John Banks.
Wellington mayoral race very close
The final result of Wellington's mayoral election will not be known until Wednesday, with just 40 votes separating the two front-runners.
Parker re-elected in Christchurch
Bob Parker has been re-elected as the mayor of Christchurch City, receiving nearly 17,000 more votes than his closest rival Jim Anderton.
New super city mayor, Parker back in Christchurch
Auckland's first super city Mayor will be Len Brown, while Bob Parker has been re-elected Mayor of Christchurch.
Officials confirm new Dunedin mayor
Electoral officials in Dunedin have confirmed Dave Cull is victor in the mayoralty race.
Whangarei has a new mayor
Whangarei has a new mayor, Morris Cutforth, while Wayne Brown has held onto the mayoralty in the Far North.
Hamilton elects new mayor
Hamilton has a new Mayor, Julie Hardaker.
Third term for Tauranga mayor
Stuart Crosby has seen off five challengers to serve a third term as the mayor of Tauranga City.
Gisborne Mayor re-elected for fourth term
The Mayor of Gisborne Meng Foon has been re-elected for a fourth term.
Former MP Duynhoven new mayor of New Plymouth
New Plymouth's former Labour MP and Minister outside cabinet Harry Duynhoven is the city's new mayor.
New mayor of Whanganui beats Laws's deputy
Whanganui's new mayor is Annette Main, defeating the outgoing mayor's deputy.
Fourth terms for mayors of Napier, Hastings and Wairoa
The Mayor of Napier Barbara Arnott has been returned to office for a fourth term.
Former NZ First MP new Carterton mayor
Former New Zealand First MP Ron Mark is the new mayor of the Carterton District Council.
New mayor for Nelson
Nelson has thrown out its sitting mayor, replacing him with a man 31 years his junior.
Marlborough retains mayor
Marlborough's Alistair Sowman has retained his mayoralty with a resounding win over his only challenger.
Mayors on West Coast of South Island keep their jobs
On the South Island's West Coast, the sitting mayors have all kept their jobs.
Quake ravaged Kaiapoi to be lead by new mayor
The rebuilding of earthquake-ravaged Kaiapoi will be led by a new mayor, David Ayers.
Familton re-elected as Waitaki mayor
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton has been re-elected for a second term in local body elections on Saturday.
Queenstown elects Van Uden as new mayor
Vanessa Van Uden has been elected the new mayor of the Queenstown Lakes District.
Shadbolt wins sixth term as mayor
Tim Shadbolt has won a sixth term as Invercargill mayor.
Comfortable victory for Chathams mayor
Alfred Preece has captured 75% of the vote in the Chatham Islands to retain the mayoralty.
Voter turnout generally up in local body elections
Voting in local body elections has been up on 2007, with the Auckland super city reforms boosting voting there to more than 50%.
Accused election candidate should have withdrawn - opponent
An opponent of a super city candidate accused of forging local body election papers in South Auckland says he should have withdrawn from the race.
Hamilton elects new mayor
Hamilton has a new Mayor, Julie Hardaker.
Wellington super city report due next month - forum chair
Wellington Mayoral Forum chair Wayne Guppy says he never had any intention of withholding a report about creating a regional super city. It is to be issued next month.
Auckland candidate accused of forging election papers
A super city candidate accused of forging local body election papers is denying any wrongdoing and says he will not pull out of the race.
Auckland election heads for big voting finish
Auckland's super city elections are heading for a big finish, with a surge of votes in South Auckland being seen as favouring Len Brown's bid to become mayor. Turnout so far is nearly 46%.
Mayors gather for final meeting
Mayors in Auckland will gather for the last time at midday on Friday before their councils are merged to form the super city.
Arts capital urged not to rest on its laurels
The Lonely Planet calls Wellington the 'Arts capital of New Zealand'. But the Wellington Employers' Chamber of Commerce says the city must not rest on its laurels.
Police investigation of voting papers non-delivery wanted
Mangere MP Su'a William Sio wants police to investigate the non-delivery of local government voting papers.
Extended voting period wanted
An Auckland super city candidate for the Papakura-Manurewa ward, wants postal voting to be extended by a week because of problems with the delivery of voting papers.
Open race for mayoralty of Porirua
The Porirua mayoralty is anyone's game, with the city's mayor of 12 years not standing for re-election.
Appointment seen as unacceptable by Labour
Labour says the appointment of Mark Ford as the chief executive of Auckland's Watercare Services is an unacceptable concentration of power.
Hundreds of South Auckland voting papers missing
As many as 400 South Aucklanders have been told their local body voting papers have been dumped and cannot be re-delivered.
Auckland voting pattern shifts in final days
A shift in voting patterns could be taking Auckland's mayoral battle to a close finish.
Surge in voting closes Auckland mayoralty race
The race for the Auckland super city mayoralty could be closing, with a surge in voting by those in wealthier areas.
Police reject complaint over super city election email
Police have rejected a complaint of alleged bribery laid over an email sent out by a local body election group in Auckland.
Local election voting higher so far
The number of votes cast so far in the local body elections is up by between 5% and 10% compared to the same time during the 2007 elections.
Early Auckland opinion polls favour Len Brown
The final week of voting is being seen as crucial for the Auckland mayoral contest despite some polls favouring Len Brown.
Iwi have big role in super city, says Banks
Auckland super city mayoral candidate John Banks has moved to appeal to Maori voters, after an off-the-cuff remark last week offended some in the Maori and Pacific community.
Twyford apologises for sending electioneering e-mail
Labour Party MP Phil Twyford says sending out electioneering e-mails from the Parliamentary email system was a genuine mistake, for which he is sorry.
'West' Auckland identity must not be lost - Sharples
Tamaki Makaurau MP Pita Sharples says he's sad to see the end of Waitakere City Council. He says it's important the 'west' does not lose its unique identity.
Banks not being drawn on future plans
Defeated Auckland super city mayoral candidate John Banks is not being drawn on what his political future holds.
Earthquake showed Parker's skills - PM
Prime Minister John Key has congratulated Bob Parker on being re-elected as Mayor of Christchurch, saying the earthquake showed his management and leadership skills.
Dunedin still counting votes in local body election
Counting of local body election results is taking longer than expected in Dunedin because the city uses the Single Transferable Vote system.
Mayoral rival says Invercargill council is disfunctional
The main rival to Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt says the council has become dysfunctional and divided under his leadership.
Anger over 'disaster' label at last meeting of Manukau City
Manukau City Council met for the last time on Thursday before being absorbed into the new Auckland Council. However, there were expressions of anger about the city being called a disaster.
Disappointment over no dedicated Maori seats now over - Hide
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says he believes Maori have got over their initial disappointment at not getting dedicated seats on the new Auckland Council and are now working to make the new structure work.
Final council meeting at Waitakere
Waitakere City Council members have held their final meeting.
Former CTU official seeking Sth Waikato mayoralty
Former Council of Trade Unions Maori vice president Sharon Claire says her work will stand her in good stead if she wins the South Waikato mayoralty.
Poll shows swing in favour of Parker as mayor
The first poll since the Canterbury earthquake on who may be elected mayor of Christchurch has shown a dramatic swing in favour of the incumbent, Bob Parker.
Hamilton mayor defends anonymous donations
Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock is defending the use of anonymous donations to fund his re-election campaign.
Anderton accuses Parker of dodging debates
Christchurch mayoral candidate Jim Anderton has accused mayor Bob Parker of avoiding local body election debates for political reasons. Mr Parker says he's too busy dealing with the earthquake aftermath.
Quake has not put Christchurch voters off
Despite the earthquake, the Christchurch City Council says residents still may reverse the trend of falling voter numbers in local body elections.
Bob Parker too busy for mayoral debates
Christchurch mayor Bob Parker has all but abandoned the local body election campaign, saying he is too busy dealing with the aftermath of Canterbury's earthquake.
Votes for withdrawn candidate will go to next on list
Wellingtonians are being assured their votes will not go to waste after a Health Ministry official pulled out of standing for the Capital and Coast District Health Board.
Council 'woefully unprepared' for Treaty settlements
A Hastings mayoral candidate says the council is woefully unprepared for Treaty of Waitangi settlements in the region.
Brown ahead in early super city poll
A poll of people who've already voted in the Auckland super city election puts Len Brown ahead of John Banks by a considerable margin.
Director of Public Health withdraws DHB candidacy
The Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health has withdrawn his candidacy for the Capital and Coast District Health Board.
'Tension' between ministry and DHB roles
A public sector watchdog is warning of serious tensions if a senior Ministry of Health executive is elected to the Capital and Coast District Health Board.
Email marketing prompts bribery complaint
A group contesting the Auckland super city election has rejected an allegation of bribery made by a rival group, branding the claim as a smear campaign.
Enrolment probe moves outside Auckland
Police are looking into whether voters from North Island centres outside of Auckland have been fraudulently enrolled to addresses in the city.
Voter interest in elections varies
A survey suggests Aucklanders are more interested than other New Zealanders in next month's local elections - but many of them are still not certain to vote.
Dunedin in debt crisis, says mayoral candidate
A Dunedin mayoral candidate says the city is saddled with too much debt and costs will have to be cut.
Final Auckland City Council meeting held
Auckland City Council has held its final meeting after 138 years. The new Auckland Council comes into being on 1 November.
Public health director stands for local DHB
A public servant's candidacy for a district health board is being viewed as unusual and has raised concern about the potential for conflicts of interest.
Inquiry into South Auckland enrolment irregularities
Dozens of police in South Auckland are continuing inquiries into irregularities in enrolment for the local body elections.
Voting papers sent with wrong candidates listed
Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Hastings District Council have discovered that some residents have been sent incorrect voting forms. The printing company has accepted full responsibility.
Council funding reform wanted by farmers
Reforming the way councils are funded is top of the agenda for Federated Farmers, which is in campaigning mode for next month's local elections.
Houses searched in electoral probe
Police have searched a number of houses and businesses in Papatoetoe in relation to an Auckland super city electoral enrollment inquiry.
Curtis credit card spending defended
Manukau City Council is defending a $100,000 credit card bill that former mayor Sir Barry Curtis incurred in his final term in office.
Greener Auckland urged by business group
A group of large businesses has sent Auckland mayoral candidates a wish list of clean, green projects that it says could spruce up the city and improve the quality of life.
Transport key issue for Wellington mayoral candidates
The main mayoral candidates for Wellington say transport is a top priority for the region but disagree on the best solution.
Far North needs full-time mayor, says candidate
One of the contenders for the Far North mayoralty is targeting the incumbent for treating the position as a part-time job.
Brown slightly ahead in super city mayoralty
A new poll on the Auckland super city mayoralty election has Len Brown of Manukau with a small lead over John Banks of Auckland City. Mr Brown has 29.8% support and Mr Banks has 27.8%.
Maori candidate determined
A Maori candidate for the Auckland super city council says it will be a difficult task to represent the wide variety of Maori opinion, but Waina Emery says she is up to it.
Hamilton CBD an election issue
The future of the central business district in Hamilton looks to be an issue in next month's elections. Like many cities, the CBD appears to be dying at the expense of suburban shopping malls.
Ngai Tahu says Anderton damage claim false
The co-owner of Christchurch City Council's new headquarters says damage to the building from the Canterbury earthquake is nowhere near as bad as claimed by Wigram MP Jim Anderton.
Six seek top job in Hamilton
Six people are chasing the position of Mayor in Hamilton in next month's local elections.
Job numbers at new Auckland Council still under wraps
It is still unclear how many jobs will be lost in Auckland's super city council amalgamation.
Auckland mayoral rivals clash on social equity, rates
There has been a testy exchange among the main contenders for the Auckland mayoralty over social equity and how to fund local government.
Local body election ballot papers may be delayed
About half of New Zealand's local body elections postal ballot papers could be delayed and some lost due to the Canterbury earthquake.
Transport, jobs at heart of super city debate
Transport and jobs have been at the heart of the Auckland super city mayoral debate on Radio New Zealand's Morning Report on Monday morning.
Super city candidate wants fluoridation poll
A candidate for the Auckland mayoralty says there should be a binding referendum on whether to remove fluoride from the water supply.
Mayoral rival upset at Banks' rejection of TV debates
A contender for the Auckland mayoralty is upset that his rival, John Banks, has declined invitations to appear on two televised debates.
Maori candidates 'put off' trying for general seats
A Maori member of Bay of Plenty Regional Council says Maori are put off standing for general council seats because of their low chance of success.
Mayoral contender wants GDP boost
Auckland mayoral candidate Len Brown wants to lift the region's contribution to New Zealand's GDP to 50%. He says tourism and a major drive to host big events in Auckland would be key elements.
Slight drop in enrolment for local body elections
Voter enrolment for the upcoming local body elections has dropped 0.5% on the previous election.
Mayoral challenger says Far North council staff morale low
A Far North mayoral challenger says council staff morale has sunk to an all-time low because of meddling by mayor Wayne Brown and constant restructuring. Mr Brown rejects the claim.
Colourful candidates vying for council jobs in capital
A former mayor, a fashionista, senior media figures and a slate of Labour candidates are vying for places around the Wellington City Council table.
Len Brown supports Maori representation on super city council
Auckland super city mayoral candidate Len Brown is taking the Human Rights Commissioner's views on Maori representation to heart.
Maori local govt involvement reassessment urged
The Human Rights Commissioner says the local government elections are a chance to reassess the level of Maori representation on councils.
Pacific Island ticket formed in Manukau
Pacific Islanders from Manukau City have formed a political group to contest the super city elections in Auckland.
Sir Barry returns to Auckland politics
One of New Zealand's longest serving mayors is coming out of political retirement to stand as a councillor in the super city in Auckland. Sir Barry Curtis was mayor of Manukau City for 24 years.
542 stand for new super city seats
There are 542 nominations for the 170 seats on the new Auckland Council and community boards. Nominations closed at midday on Friday.
All three BoP Maori seats being contested
A late surge in nominations means the three dedicated Maori seats will be closely fought in the elections for Bay of Plenty Regional Council in October.
Last-minute rush of would-be local body politicians
Electoral offices throughout New Zealand had a last-minute rush of candidates on Friday as nominations closed for local body elections.
Voter enrolment for local body elections slow
Election officials say voting apathy for the local body elections is big in Auckland, despite a drive to get people enrolled for the super city election.

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