Panui / Korero

Local council members make decisions that impact your everyday life—from the quality of community services to how your rates are spent, and everything in between. 🏡💧🚍 That’s why it’s so important to vote for someone whose values and beliefs align with yours. By choosing representatives who reflect your priorities, you help build a community that works for everyone. 🤝❤️ Your voice truly matters. Every vote strengthens our democracy and shapes the future of our neighbourhoo

🔥 Tonight was INSANE! 🔥 The whare was absolutely buzzing for Local and Lit—a night created by Māori, for Māori, and for the kaupapa of keeping our voices strong. The energy in the room was electric, and the sense of whanaungatanga was powerful. Local artists Timena and Awhi set the perfect scene, serenading the crowd and creating the vibe as candidates mixed, mingled, and connected kanohi ki te kanohi. 🎤🎶 Next up was the debate, masterfully hosted by Huhana Melanie Lyndon

Voting packs are landing—have you checked your mailbox yet, whānau? 📬✨ If you’re enrolled, your voting papers should arrive between 9–22 September. If they haven’t shown up by then, you might need to cast a special vote so you don’t miss out on having your say. 🕒 Remember, you’ve got until midday, Saturday 11 October, to fill out your voting papers and return them. But don’t leave it to the last minute—get your vote sorted early! When you’re ready, you can either post your

Have you heard about special votes, but not sure if you need one? Here’s what you need to know! A special vote is for anyone who didn’t receive their voting pack or whose enrolment details aren’t up to date. You might need a special vote if: ✳️ You moved recently and didn’t update your address ✳️ You enrolled after 1 August ✳️ You’re on the unpublished roll ✳️ Your voting pack didn’t arrive or was lost The good news? 📍 You can still vote! Special votes make sure everyone ge

Here’s what you’ll find: 📄 Voting Paper- This is where you vote for your mayor, councillors (ward + regional), local board members, Māori ward referendum, Māori ward reps, and licensing trust members (in some areas). 📘 Candidate Info Booklet- Quick bios and priorities from each candidate. Some councils even link to videos or websites. 📮 Return Envelope- Bright orange and postage-paid. You can: * Drop it in a NZ Post box by Tue 7 Oct * Use council voting bins until midday

This local election, Whangārei voters are being asked a simple but powerful question: Do you want to keep Māori wards in our council? Voting YES means keeping Māori representation in our local decision-making, making sure tangata whenua have a strong voice on the issues that matter most—our whenua, our whānau, and our shared future. 🌿🤝 You’ll find this important referendum inside your postal voting pack, alongside your regular voting papers. Here’s what to do: ✅ Tick YES ✉️

Need a hand with your voting paper? Want your papers in braille or another accessible format? Your voice matters, and there’s support available to make sure your vote is counted. 🤲♿️ If you need help—whether it’s understanding your voting paper, accessing alternative formats, or making sure your vote is cast safely—reach out to your local regional council office. They can provide the right forms and assistance to fit your needs. 📞📝 Don’t let anything stop you from having y

📬 Got your voting pack yet? Voting papers are landing in mailboxes across Whangārei- have you checked yours? 🕒 Don’t leave it too long! Fill it out, seal it up, and send it back before the deadline. Your vote = your voice. 💡 Need extra support? Secure ballot boxes and special vote booths are being set up across Whangārei, including: - Te Iwitahi (Civic Centre), 9 Rust Ave - Woolworths Tikipunga - Whangārei Libraries Mobile Library stops - Ruakākā Service Centre (for specia

Voting is now open, whānau! 🥳🗳️ Your voting packs should be arriving in your mailbox, and ballot boxes are set up across the community, ready to receive your vote. If you need help filling out your voting pack, securely posting your vote, or placing a special vote, the team at ballot box locations are there to assist you. 💁‍♀️📝 👉 Check below to find the ballot box location closest to you and make sure your voice is heard! Let’s get out there and vote—every voice matters,

Your voting packs should be arriving in your mailbox, and ballot boxes are set up across the community, ready to receive your vote.

Tired of decisions that don’t reflect our lives? Of policies made for us, without us? That sinking feeling when you didn’t vote, and now someone you never chose is making decisions that affect your kai, your housing, your future? 🍞🏠🌱 It’s more than frustration—it’s a lesson. And it can be the spark for real change. 🔥 Let that feeling drive you to action. Let your vote be your voice. Don’t just settle for being represented—choose who represents you best. 🗳️✨ 👉 Enrol. Vot

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Jordyn with a Why will be performing live at our upcoming Local & Lit: Drinks & Debate event on September 14th! 🎶✨ Not only will you get the chance to hear directly from the Māori Wards candidates from WDC and NRC, but you’ll also be treated to an incredible set from one of Aotearoa’s rising musical talents. It’s the perfect blend of community, kōrero, and connection—with the magic of music bringing us together. 📅 Save the date: S