Papatoetoe election turnout: Only one in six have voted in re-run

With voting closing next week, local leaders are raising concerns about turnout and public confidence in the Papatoetoe election, with participation tracking below the same point in last year’s vote.

However, Auckland Council said it was normal for by-elections to track lower for turnout, but based on current numbers this election is set to be higher than average.

The most recent figures showed turnout at 5925 returned voting papers, or 16.81 per cent of eligible voters, as of 1 April.

A few days before, on 30 March, 5075 voting papers had been returned, representing 14.4 per cent of eligible voters, compared with 15.4 per cent at the same stage of the 2025 local elections.

Alf Filipaina, Manukau ward councillor, said he was not surprised by the lower turnout in the re-run election, but the figures still highlighted wider concerns.

The election followed a rare court decision to void the 2025 result due to electoral irregularities, after evidence emerged that ballot papers had been interfered with.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member Apulu Reece Autagavaia says postal voting is no longer reliable. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata

“People are definitely going to have a mistrust of the system," Filipaina said.

Filipaina said the turnout figures should be seen as a signal to review how local elections are run, including whether alternatives such as in-person or online voting should be considered.

He said turnout may also be affected by cost-of-living pressures and the timing of the election, with the Easter long weekend potentially reducing participation.

Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina says he is not surprised by turnout in the Papatoetoe election, given it is a by-election. Photo/File

Apulu Reece Autagavaia, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member, said the court findings had heightened concerns about the integrity of the voting system and that postal voting was no longer reliable.

“We saw from the recent court cases that all the fears in the weaknesses of the postal voting system came to fruition in the October Papatoetoe election.

Auckland Council says turnout levels are consistent with similar elections and do not indicate wider issues.

Oliver Roberts, Head of Governance Programmes and Policies, said voter turnout is typically lower in elections held outside the main three-year cycle, and current participation does not raise wider concerns.

The Papatoetoe election will determine representation on the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board. Photo/Auckland Council

“With the latest returns at 16.8 per cent, and another week of voting to go, our turnout in this election is set to be higher than average in past by-elections,” Roberts said.

Council data shows recent similar elections ranged from about 11 to 17 per cent turnout, which Roberts said indicates participation is normal and tracking above average.

He said the council is continuing efforts to boost participation through local outreach, social media and targeted marketing in Papatoetoe.

“We are aware of the benefits and limitations of postal voting and the council is preparing for a decision on voting methods… expected later this year.”

Apulu said restoring confidence in the system remained critical alongside ensuring representation for the community.

“We need Papatoetoe elected representation so we can continue the work the Local Board needs to be done. But we also need to have confidence that people are voted in legitimately.

"So please get out and vote, and also, report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities. We need to get on with the job.”

The election will determine representation for the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, influencing local decisions on services, funding and community priorities.

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