On 26 August 2026 the Palmerston North City Council resolved that the Single Transferable Vote electoral system will be used for the 2028 and 2031 local elections of the Palmerston North City Council.
Notice is given under section 28(1) of the Local Electoral Act 2001, that this resolution can only be reversed by the result of a poll of residents and/or ratepayers (electors) on the Palmerston North electoral roll.
Electors of the Palmerston North City Council have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used at the next two triennial elections (2028 and 2031) of the Palmerston North City Council. The choice is between First Past the Post (FPP) and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 11 December 2026, the poll will be held by 28 March 2027, and will have effect for the 2028 and 2031 local elections. If a valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2026, then the poll will be held after 28 March 2027, and will have effect for the 2031 and 2034 local elections.
Poll requirements
A valid demand for a poll must be:
- Made in writing.
- Signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of the Palmerston North City Council. This will require a minimum of 2,974 elector signatures.
- Delivered to Palmerston North City Council at 32 Te Marae o Hine The Square, Palmerston North.
Every elector who signs a demand must also set out in it their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of the Palmerston North City Council.
For more information, please contact Hannah White, Manager Governance, by phoning 06 356 8199 or email governance@pncc.govt.nz
This notice is given despite the government’s Simplifying Local Government process.