Having trouble getting to a post shop? Can’t get to a Council service centre? – We’re here to help.
Whakatāne District Council is excited to announce two innovative approaches to the 2022 Whakatāne District Elections; mobile voting for rural communities and a drive-thru voting booth.
Governance Manager Cindy Butt says, particularly with the introduction of Māori wards this election, it’s vital everyone has the opportunity to change the game by voting. It’s hoped improving accessibility to ballot boxes will increase voter turnout.
“This year we’re removing the physical barriers to voting and coming to a town near you. We’re bringing ballot boxes to Galatea, Te Mahoe, Rūātoki, Tāneatua, Waimana, Ruatāhuna and Minginui.”
Cindy adds, “We know for some of our communities, it’s just not as straight forward as jumping in your car with your voting papers and heading down to the post shop or Council service centre.”
“We also know that some community members didn’t enrol in time so haven’t received their voting packs, but the great thing is, it’s not too late to have your say via a Special Vote.”
“With this in mind, we’re hitting the road and are headed to a number of communities around the rohe. We’ll be armed with our mobile ballot box so those who received their voting papers can cast their votes, and for those for those who didn’t enrol in time, who didn’t receive their papers, or whose dog ate them we’ll be on hand to provide assistance with the Special Vote process.”
Meanwhile, it’ll be all go on voting day itself, with drive-thru voting making its debut.
“On voting day Council staff will be at the War Memorial Hall complex in Whakatāne, where those who haven’t yet dropped their voting papers off, can drive-thru, drop off their papers, pick up a sausage, give us a toot and continue on their merry way without even getting out of their car.”
For those who don’t require mobile voting, when your voting pack arrives, read the instructions carefully and tick off three important steps; vote, pack and drop off - either to your local post shop, or post box, or drop it into a ballot box at 4 Commerce Street, Te Kōputu a Te Whanga a Toi (Whakatāne Library), or the Murupara Service Centre.
Voting will be open until 12noon on 8 October 2022. Voting papers delivered to the Murupara Service Centre will need to be placed in the voting box before 4:30pm on Friday, 7 October. Votes can be lodged at 4 Commerce Street through until midday on Saturday, 8 October.
If you’re returning your voting papers by post, it’s important to send them in before 4th October to ensure they arrive for processing before deadline.
If you’re still wanting a little more information on the candidates standing, candidate profiles are included with the voting packs and are also available at whakatane.govt.nz/beagamechanger along with information about special voting.
Meet the candidate hui are also underway. Check out your local residents association, local clubs (such as Lions) or ratepayers group to see what’s on offer.
Once voting starts, daily vote returns will be available from electionz.com. Preliminary results are expected somewhere around 1pm on 8 October.
Specific times and locations below:
- Friday, 23 September, Galatea, Te Mahoe
10am: Galatea Sports Grounds, Mangamate Road
1:20pm: Te Mahoe Reserve, Te Mahoe School Road - Tuesday, 27 September, Ruatahuna, Minginui
10:35am: Te Tii Cafe and Tuhoe Office area, Ruatahuna Road
1pm: Minginui Fire Station, Minginui Road - Wednesday, 28 September, Rūātoki, Tāneatua, Waimana
9:15am: Rūātoki Rugby Grounds, Rūātoki Valley Road
11:15am: Main Street playground, Tāneatua
1:30pm: Waimana store, Main Street Waimana