Franklin Wairoa voters receive papers for local board by-election

Voting papers are arriving in letterboxes across Franklin’s Wairoa subdivision this week ahead of a local board by-election covering some of Auckland’s fastest-growing rural and coastal communities.

The Franklin Local Board Wairoa subdivision by-election opened on Monday following the resignation of longtime member Malcolm Bell after four terms.

Auckland Council is encouraging residents across the subdivision to vote early, with voting papers expected to arrive in mailboxes between May 11 and 14 ahead of voting closing at midday on June 10.

Lou-Ann Ballantyne, Auckland Council general manager governance and engagement, said residents should vote as soon as their papers arrive.

“You can vote as soon as you get your papers and we encourage people to vote early, rather than tuck the papers away. Check out the candidates who are standing and vote today. Every envelope that gets posted back or dropped into a voting box shows your great local support for Franklin,” Ballantyne said.

The Wairoa subdivision covers communities including Whitford, Clevedon, Beachlands, Maraetai, Hunua, Kawakawa Bay, Drury South and parts of Bombay.

Franklin Ward councillor Andy Baker says voter participation will be important in the Wairoa subdivision by-election. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata

Earlier this year, Andy Baker told Local Democracy Reporting that Bell had been “a wonderful champion” for not only the Wairoa subdivision, but Franklin and Auckland, and had played a major role in establishing the local board during its early years.

“He got the big picture stuff. He was hard-working and interested in more than his home patch. Coming onto the Local Board when it was still in its infancy, he contributed immensely to establishing its presence and creating understanding of its role within Franklin. He should be very proud of his contribution to our many communities.”

Baker acknowledged that by-elections can be difficult to generate enthusiasm for, despite Wairoa historically recording some of the strongest turnout figures in Auckland.

“Traditionally, by-elections are difficult to generate enthusiasm for,” he said.

“We have to look at how we can get enough information out there to give people the information they need and to make sure the process is simple enough to encourage people to vote.”

Former Franklin Local Board member Malcolm Bell speaking at Hūnua Village Green. Bell’s resignation after four terms has triggered the Wairoa subdivision by-election. Photo/Auckland Council

Franklin recorded about 32 per cent turnout during the last local elections, higher than Auckland’s regional average, with Baker noting Wairoa had been “one of the best in the region”.

Baker said residents in the Wairoa subdivision were most commonly raising concerns about transport, council services, growth and development pressures, along with managed cleanfill applications in Hunua and Ararimu.

“Most recently it has been applications for managed cleanfills in Hunua and Ararimu. However, in general we hear mostly about things like roading and transport issues, council facilities and services, and issues associated with growth and development,” Baker said.

Local Democracy Reporting asked Baker about the cost of holding stand-alone local elections when vacancies occur close to scheduled election years.

“I think that in circumstances like this, if the need occurs within maybe eight months of the election, the next highest candidate should be invited to step in,” Baker said.

“This really is a huge cost so soon to having run an election, it is difficult to defend but we have to abide with the law.”

Four candidates are standing in the by-election:

• Clare Alder (Team Franklin)

• Chris Caldwell - no affiliation declared

• Nick Corlett - no affiliation declared

• Tom Van Der Laan (Independent)

Additional information about the candidates and their policies is available through candidate profiles on Vote Auckland.

Auckland Council has also reminded voters not to hand voting papers to anyone else and to report any suspicious activity, including people requesting voting documents or going through letterboxes.

Residents who have not received their voting papers by May 14 are being encouraged to contact the Electoral Office on 0800 922 822 or at info@electionservices.co.nz to confirm their eligibility and arrange a special vote.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.