Greater Wellington Regional Council to change to STV

Greater Wellington Regional Council has decided to change its electoral system for the 2013 local body elections from First Past the Post (FPP) to a Single Transferable Vote (STV). This decision was made at today’s Council meeting, in accordance with a process outlined in the Local Electoral Act.

Greater Wellington Regional Council becomes the first regional council in New Zealand to decide to move from FPP to STV.

“Councillors believe that the STV system is fairer and more democratic than the FPP system,” Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Fran Wilde said.

“Although there are still some city and district councils in the region that use the FPP system, some have used STV for some time, as have district health boards.

“We recognise that whatever system we use, there is likely to be some voter confusion in some districts which can lead to invalid votes being cast. We will be taking special care with material included with voting papers to ensure that voters are informed as to which system of voting is being used for the different authorities involved so that all votes count.

“A public notice will be made informing voters in the region of this change and also advising them that 5% of eligible voters can request that a referendum be held on this matter,” Fran Wilde said.