Turnout is hovering at about one in three with just 1.5 days to go. New Plymouth’s local election has 30.3% of eligible votes returned so far, tracking almost exactly the same as at this point in 2022, despite a longer voting period this time around.
The latest returns show the district sitting at 30.3% overall. Within the wards, Kōhanga Moa (Inglewood) is leading the way at 33.3%, with the North Ward (from Waitara North) on 31.4% and Kaitake–Ngāmotu (New Plymouth City down to Okato) on 30.4%. The Māori ward is at 23.6%. Those figures mirror the last election, when returns at the same point were also around 30% before a late surge on the final day.
Voting closes at 12pm this Saturday 11th October. If you still have your papers at home, you’ll need to drop them to a ballot box rather than posting to make the deadline. If you haven’t received voting papers, you’ll need to visit the council building on Liardet Street to cast a special vote.
With big calls ahead for council spending, infrastructure and services, every ballot helps set the District’s priorities for the next three years. If you’ve already voted, give a nudge to a neighbour. If you haven’t, there’s still time.
