Notice of Right to Demand a Poll on Electoral System

Notice is given under section 28(1) of the Local Electoral Act 2001, that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council at its Meeting on 9 August 2023 has resolved to hold the next triennial local body election under the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system.  This electoral system will be used for the 2025 triennial election of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council electors have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used at the next two triennial general elections (2025 and 2028) for Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The choice is between the First Past the Post (FPP) and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral systems.  Unless a poll determines otherwise, Bay of Plenty Regional Council will continue to use the FPP electoral system.

A valid demand for a poll must be:

• Made in writing.
• Signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of Bay of Plenty Regional This will require a minimum of 11,512 elector signatures.
• Delivered by 5pm Monday, 11 December 2023 to Regional House, 1 Elizabeth St, Tauranga or Bay of Plenty Regional Council Offices, 5 Quay Street, Whakatāne.

If a valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2023, a poll will be held after Thursday 14 March 2024 with the outcome applicable to the 2025 and 2028 triennial elections.

Every elector who signs a demand must also set out in it his or her full name and the address for which he or she is qualified as an elector of Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Fiona McTavish
Chief Executive