30 Aug 2016

How democratic are local government elections?

From Nine To Noon, 9:43 am on 30 August 2016

Elections for the mayoralties, councils and local boards take place in early October, and already questions are being asked about low voter turn-out, low candidate turnout, one-sided races, & uncontested seats. Nine to Noon asks why local government matters and whether Havelock North's drinking water debacle will re-focus voters' minds. Dr Jean Drage from Lincoln University is based in Christchurch and has edited a new book called Local Government in New Zealand, Challenges and Choices. Dr Andy Asquith is from Massey University's School of Management and is based in Auckland. He has also contributed to the new publication.