Next Triennial election
Electoral System and Right to Demand a Poll
This notice is provided as a legal requirement under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001.
It should be noted that, given the review of local government currently underway, it is unlikely that Environment Southland will be required to participate in the electoral process in 2028.
Notice is given under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 that the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system will continue to be used for the next triennial election of the Southland Regional Council (known as Environment Southland).
Electors of Environment Southland have a right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used for the election of the Council. Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 11 December 2026, a poll will be held no later than 28 March 2027 on whether the Single Transferable Voting or the First Past the Post electoral system will be used for the next triennial election of the Council. If a valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2026, a poll will be held after 28 March 2027 with the outcome applicable for the 2031 and 2034 elections.
A valid demand must be:
- made in writing;
- signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of Environment Southland. This equates to 3,427 elector signatures;
- delivered to Environment Southland, corner of North Road and Price Street, Waikiwi, Invercargill by 5pm, Friday, 11 December 2026.
- 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 Environment Southland.
