16 October 2001

Media Statement

Reponse of the Minister of Local Government to media queries from Michelle Brooker, of "the Press"

"I do not think any single factor would necessarily have made a difference to the local authority elections turnout in Christchurch," Local Government Minister Sandra Lee said today.

"I am disappointed there wasn't a better outcome for all the work undertaken to lift the turnout.

"There was a huge publicity campaign run by Local Government New Zealand to boost voter participation, and the government changed the law to give people three weeks to vote instead of two.

"A candidates profile was sent out with the ballot papers, and we even amended the Local Electoral Act to make sure the results came through at a much earlier stage than before," Ms Lee said.

"In Christchurch, as with Auckland, the city council elections were hotly contested with high profile mayoral candidates. Unfortunately both cities still had their lowest election day turn-out in five elections."

ENDS

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