Local Elections 2022

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

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There are 66 mayors. Here's what they reckon.

Just how big was the ‘change’ vote, and how many mayors hate Three Waters?

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Under 40% voting is a shocker. What can be done?

A 10-step plan to reverse the ‘absolute shambles’ of collapsing local turnout

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While the 'fixer' poured bubbles in Ponsonby on the back of a thumping victory, the mood was determinedly upbeat in Ōtara, where gin-and-tonics were on the menu.

Wayne Brown flashes a winner’s grin as Efeso Collins mulls his future

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We’ve got lots of queer people in parliament, but what about local body politics?

What it’s like to be a queer person in local politics

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The curious case of the Labour logos stuck to Efeso Collins’ hoardings

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It’s not all conspiracy theories and threats of violence – though there is plenty of that too.

What impact does Facebook have on local elections?

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This year's local elections are attracting candidates from a wide range of occupations.

Farmers, teachers, actors, possum hunters: The many walks of life to local office

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The departing mayor reflects on what his younger, more radical self might have made of the politician he has become.

Phil Goff on 40 years of politics and the idealistic young man in the photograph

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Tauranga might have had its council replaced with a commission, but the city and region still have people to elect.

Race Briefing: The Battle of the Bay (of Plenty Regional Council)

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Incumbent Campbell Barry faces off against two newcomers in the Hutt City race.

Race briefing: Can the country’s youngest mayor make it two for two?

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By all means tell people who you voted for – just don't show proof. 

Don’t do what Lorde did – even though it’s perfectly legal

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Environment Canterbury candidates say flood management is an urgent problem – and no solution, including managed retreat, is off the table.

Environment Canterbury and the coming floods

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Once labelled a 'zombie town', Whanganui is thriving. But can it stay that way?

Race briefing: Can Whanganui carry on thriving?

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The mayor is important, but they can’t do too much without a quality group at the table. 

A staggeringly simple guide to voting for Auckland Council

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An abundance of candidates, an entirely new ward, a whole new voting system: the Far North's election race is far from boring.

Race briefing: Seas of change in the Far North

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How the candidates and the early voting numbers look with a few days to go.

The state of play as Auckland’s mayoral marathon enters its final sprint

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If you thought the days of would-be politicians claiming climate change is a scam or a hoax might be over, we have some bad news.

How many local election candidates are still on the climate change denial bandwagon?

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His opponents include an anti-vax teacher and a fantasist with a criminal conviction for assaulting a child.

Race briefing: Can Palmerston North’s incumbent mayor claim a third landslide?

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Sixty-seven years separate them, but they have a thing or two in common.

From gen-silent to zoomer: views from the youngest and oldest local board candidates

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New-look team, same old climate problems.

Race briefing: The sun rises on a new-look Gisborne District Council

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Imagine how much more productive the government could be without the hypnotic glow of all that screen time? 

Where else should phones be banned? The most unruly classroom of all – parliament

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Results ranged from surprisingly yum to soul-destroying. 

Is cooking with dog food instead of meat actually fine? I gave it a go

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He's fine but it feels like I'm losing a friend and it's making me bitter. How do I say 'enough is enough'? 

Help Me Hera: My friend’s boyfriend Steve is always, always, always around

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Labour market figures came in softer than the Reserve Bank had forecast, but they won't be enough to move the needle on interest rates. 

Unemployment up, business confidence down

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We thought we were starting a revolution of urban, modern, high amenity, socially connected housing. Here's what went wrong, and how the idea could still succeed.

My co-housing project failed, but I still think it’s a great idea

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Two decades ago this week, 15,000 people marched to parliament in a formidable display of outrage and kōtahitanga. 

A new generation of activism: Marking 20 years since the foreshore and seabed hīkoi

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The bookseller confessional delves into unusual requests, books not to read on a full stomach and more.

‘There is some properly foul content in this book’: What a bookseller reads

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The outpouring of anger over Maiki Sherman’s presentation of this week’s ‘nightmare’ poll is the real overreaction.

Polls are nothing if not a bit of political theatre 

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Cum chairs, stolen pay and shitting bans: Workers share their horror stories with us

The Spinoff editor-at-large Toby Manhire sits down with Wellington mayoral candidates Paul Eagle, Andy Foster and Tory Whanau for a local election special of Politics in Pubs, presented in partnership with Pirate & Queen. Starts 5.45pm.

Wellington mayoral candidate debate - live from Meow

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Streaming live from 5.45pm, Toby Manhire puts the big questions to Paul Eagle, Andy Foster and Tory Whanau.

The Spinoff

Local Elections 2022September 15, 2022

Watch: The Spinoff’s Wellington mayoral candidate debate

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Local Elections 2022September 15, 2022

Watch: The Spinoff’s Wellington mayoral candidate debate

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