Your vote is worth $20,000
17 September 2004

For the past 7 elections Manukau has been home to the lowest voter turnout of all metropolitan areas in New Zealand.

The 2004 Local Government and DHB elections see a new tack in election marketing being taken in Manukau.

"In the past we have concentrated on showing people how and where to vote, this has obviously not worked," said Electoral Officer John Skelton. "This time we are going to focus on why electors should vote.

"When asked why they didn't vote in the past people have said their vote is not worth anything or they couldn't be bothered. So we decided to show how that vote has value in a way most will understand.

"The campaign is designed to be provocative and make voters think about their opportunity to choose the people that will represent them and make decisions on their behalf for the next three years.

"The major theme is the social investment all residents have in the city. With nearly $6 billion worth of assets managed on their behalf by the Council, the approximately 300,000 Manukau residents theoretically have a $20,000 stake in the city."

"Most would agree if they had $20,000 invested in any company they would certainly be interested in the decisions being made and the board that represents their interest," John Skelton said.

"Residents will not be able to cash up their investment or take it somewhere else. This makes it more important that they have an interest in the decisions being made about their investment on their behalf even if it is only once every three years.

"The investment is about their quality of life, their surroundings, the amenities they enjoy and the services they receive from their Council.

"Votes have always had a value this time we are putting a dollar figure on it," said Mr Skelton.

ENDS

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