Electoral system

A green icon with voting papers and numbers on the voting papers.

The 2025 local election was run using a Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system.

Single Transferable Vote

Under a Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system, voters rank candidates in their order of preference.

With a Single Transferable Vote system:

  • Electors rank candidates in their order of preference - '1' for your first choice, '2' for your second choice, '3' for your third choice and so on. You can number as many or as few candidates as you want.
  • The number of votes required for a candidate to be elected (called the quota) depends on the number of positions to be filled and the number of valid votes.
  • The necessary number of candidates to fill all vacancies is achieved:
    • First by counting of the first preferences;
    • Then by transfer of a proportion of votes received by any candidate where the number of votes for that candidate exceeds the quota.

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You can learn more about Single Transferable Vote on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Single Transferable Vote (dia.govt.nz)

Voting system history

Whangārei District used the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system between 2001 and 2022.

On 24 August 2023, Council resolved to change the electoral system from FPP to STV for the 2025 and 2028 triennial local elections.

You can learn more about First Past the Post on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

First Past the Post (dia.govt.nz)

Changing the electoral system

The electoral system to be used at the 2028 and 2031 elections may be changed: 

  • by a resolution of the Council prior to 12 September 2026; or 
  • by at least 5% of Whangārei electors demanding a poll on whether there should be a change of electoral system. Such a demand must be received by the Council by 11 December 2026. The poll must be held no later than 28 March 2027
  • by the Council deciding to hold a poll on whether there should be a change of electoral system. Such a resolution must be made by 11 December 2026. The poll must be held no later than 28 March 2027. 

If a poll occurs after these dates, the outcome would apply to the 2031 and 2034 elections and the poll could be held in conjunction with the 2028 elections.

Enquiries

Use our online form to make an enquiry about the Local Elections.

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