North Shore City gives FPP the thumbs up

North Shore City Council has chosen to retain the First Past the Post (FPP) voting system after considering the results of a recent public consultation programme.

The council, along with other New Zealand territorial local authorities, was required by law to decide by September 12 whether to retain the present voting system or change to STV (Single Transferable Vote) for the 2004 elections of mayor, councillors and community board members.

More than 5000 eligible North Shore City voters replied to pre-paid feedback forms sent to all households last month or coupons in local newspapers explaining the two voting systems. Almost 62 per cent of these responses wanted the current FPP voting system retained, while about 38 per cent wanted to change to STV for the 2004 elections. Only one ‘preference’ per eligible North Shore City voter (that is a person whose name appears on the most recent Parliamentary Electoral Roll at an address within North Shore City) was counted.

Voters can demand a poll if they are unhappy with the decision by sending in a written petition signed by at least five per cent (6,538) of eligible North Shore City electors, giving their full name and address.

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