Voting in local elections might not get as much hype as general elections, but it matters just as much, especially for working people. The decisions made by your council shape your neighbourhood, your commute, your housing options, your access to services, and even the pay rates of local workers. That’s why E tū always gets involved with local government elections.
Councils are responsible for a huge range of things that affect our daily lives—like water, public transport, libraries, civil defence, waste management, parks, local regulations, and much more. They also set rates, influence urban planning, and decide how community services are delivered. On top of that, many councils are big employers themselves, or contract out work to private companies. That means they have real power to improve pay and conditions for local workers, by adopting the Living Wage and backing decent employment standards.
This year, E tū is once again supporting a group of candidates who stand for fairness, decent work, strong public services, and inclusive, sustainable communities. In many areas, we’re backing community champions and current councillors who have shown they care about workers and our whānau. We’ll let members know more about endorsed candidates closer to the time.
Your election checklist
Check you’re enrolled
- You must be on the electoral roll before you can vote. Check or update your details at www.vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.
Watch for your voting pack
- Voting documents are posted between Tuesday 9 September and Monday 22 September.
- If you haven’t received yours by Saturday 27 September, contact your local council, you may need to update your details or cast a special vote.
Cast your postal vote
- Postal voting opens Tuesday 9 September and closes at 12 noon on Election Day, Saturday 11 October.
- Make sure your completed voting paper is received by midday on Election Day. This means posting it before Tuesday 7 October to ensure it arrives on time. If you can’t get your vote in the post before then, you can drop it off at different locations – visit www.votelocal.co.nz for local information.
Andrew Little for Mayor of Wellington
“I’m always really pleased to see union members getting involved in election campaigns to win real improvements for workers and our communities.
“As a former National Secretary of one of E tū’s legacy unions, and as a former Cabinet Minister, I have seen first-hand the huge importance of union participation in politics.
“My campaign for the Wellington mayoralty is all about working constructively with all stakeholders, ensuring everyone has their voice represented at the table, and always keeping an eye on the bigger picture. I’m committed to the Living Wage and pay equity.
“These are my values. They are Labour values, and union values. No matter where you are in the country, vote for your union values. That’s how we’ll win the change we all know we need.”