Voter turnout in Central Otago’s local elections is running well ahead of 2022, but most voters still haven’t had their say. 

By the end of Friday (October 10), 5,492 people - 30.66 percent of the district’s 17,915 eligible voters - had returned ballot papers.  

At the same stage in 2022, turnout was 24.79 percent. 

The highest return rate so far is in the Maniototo ward, with 46,01 percent (640 votes), followed by Teviot Valley on 36.06 percent (463), Cromwell on 28.93 percent (2,024) and Vincent on 28.68 percent (2,365).

While another surge is expected as weekend votes are processed, as of Friday, roughly seven out of every 10 people were yet to vote.  

Voters have until tomorrow (Tuesday October 7) to post their ballot papers and help decide who will represent them at district and regional council tables.

After that, ballot papers should be dropped into the orange ballot bins at council service centres, libraries, and selected supermarkets to be counted in time. 

District mayor Tamah Alley said she was confident with the way figures were tracking the district would surpass 2022’s voter turnout of 48 percent. 

"But it is going to take all of you to do your bit,” she said. 

“Grab your paper off the kitchen bench or under the passenger seat of your car or wherever it has ended up since entering your letterbox and make sure that your voice counts.” 

Local Government New Zealand interim chief executive Scott Nicklin said turnout is up across the country, especially in rural areas. 

“It’s encouraging, as up to 70 percent of returns typically happen in the final week,” he said. 

Scott said the extra week of voting this year, combined with more ballot boxes and public concern about issues such as rates rises have all helped lift engagement. 

But he warned against complacency. 

“We need to keep up the momentum. Council decisions affect everything from roads and rubbish to footpaths, freshwater, community facilities and public spaces. This is your chance to influence those decisions.” 

Voting closes at midday on Saturday (October 11). 

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