New Zealand is a democratic country in which the members of parliament (MPs) and local bodies (Mayors and Councillors) are chosen in free and fair elections. Citizens and permanent residents who are aged 18 years and over are required to enrol to vote, though voting is not compulsory.
New Zealand has a single chamber of parliament which consists of the House of Representatives, which generally has 120 MPs, and the Governor-General (who does not personally attend the house). The house is elected for a maximum three-year term using the mixed member proportional (MMP) system. The next general election is scheduled to take place in 2011.
New Zealand also has sub-national elected government bodies including territorial local authorities, district health boards and school boards of trustees. Local body elections are also held every three years.
For more information on elections and voting, check out www.elections.org.nz.
Local Authority Elections
The 3-yearly elections for the various local and ad hoc authorities were held in October this year. Members were elected using the First Past the Post (FPP) method, ie the highest number of votes wins.
The Following members make up the Buller District Council:
Mayor: Pat McManus
Seddon Ward: Rosalie Sampson & Fred Ratahi
Westport Ward: Jim Halsall, David Barnes, Graham Howard, Peter Campbell, Margaret Montgomery & John Hill
Inangahua Ward: Dave Hawes & Graeme Neylon
Inangahua Community Board: Barrie Fowler, Jenette Hawes, Helen Bollinger & Megan McCarthy
Buller representatives for the West Coast Regional Council are Ross Scarlett & Terry Archer
The Buller representative for Development West Coast is Frank Dooley.
To check or update your Enrolment details click below:
Contact the Electoral Officer
For further information please direct all enquiries to the Electoral Officer:
Phone: 03 788 9111
Fax: 03 788 8041
Email:
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In person: Brougham House, 6-8 Brougham Street, Westport
By post: Electoral Officer, Buller District Council, PO Box 21, Westport 7866
