Voting papers are being sent out today, and lots of people say they won't fill them out because they don't know anything about the candidates. Respected website 'The Spinoff' is trying to fix that through its Policy Local tool. But it's not the only one. Catherine Jeffcoat talks to the rest of the watchdogs.
Across Wellington, candidates are running for office on the promise of fixing the botched bus network.
In our latest local elections 2019 race briefing (read the rest here), Josie Adams looks at the battle to wrest control of the beautiful offshore outpost, Great Barrier Island/Aotea.
The candidate comparison super-tool is now live, making it easy to find out who is offering what in local elections from the top to the bottom of New Zealand.
Too many political platforms are designed for the benefit of white, male, 9am commuters. Women In Urbanism has put forward a list of policies for candidates who want to serve everyone in their communities.
The judgment on whether David Scott, who is seeking election on the Kāpiti Coast, is fit for public office should lie with the voters, rather than the law-makers.
This year's crop of local election signs range from the inspired to the utterly terrifying. Professional illustrator Toby Morris delivers his analysis of the best and worst designs.
Most election meetings are by turns angry and boring. On Thursday, Alex Braae went along to a debate in the foothills of Wellington's Mt Victoria and discovered that local democracy can be... nice?
John Tamihere once called gay sex “unhealthy and violating” and has opposed gay marriage. Hayden Donnell follows him to a Rainbow Auckland debate.
In our latest local elections 2019 race briefing (read the rest here), Josie Adams looks at those who would dare oppose Tim Shadbolt’s record reign.
Tensions have flared around the Wellington Council table, with one Councillor accusing her colleagues of engaging in a form of climate change denial.
In our latest local elections 2019 race briefing (read the rest here), Hayden Donnell dips his toe into the extraordinary battle for the Tron.
You may think you’re not interested in the local elections. But did you know the candidate pool is a smorgasbord of celebs, weirdos, and otherwise interesting people? Hayden Donnell reports.
More than 75 candidates across the country have already succeeded in their local election races, taking office unopposed. Thankfully The Spinoff is committed to saving our democracy.
Who will be the overlord of Oamaru, in the race to become the Waitaki District mayor?
Turnout in our local elections has long been in decline, particularly among the young. Alex Braae looks at what's being done to improve those stats, and find a lack of centralised funding and strategy.
Over the course of the local elections period, The Spinoff is running primers on some of the most interesting races around the country. Today, we look at the Gisborne District Council election.
