Video first launches local elections
By Mayor John Carter.
Communicating important information to remote and dispersed Far North communities is sometimes a challenge. While many towns still have newspapers delivered and boast good internet coverage, some of our more remote settlements often struggle to access regular updates. In response, we are having to find new ways to keep our residents updated about the work we do.
Communicating important information to remote and dispersed Far North communities is sometimes a challenge. While many towns still have newspapers delivered and boast good internet coverage, some of our more remote settlements often struggle to access regular updates. In response, we are having to find new ways to keep our residents updated about the work we do. Video is an increasingly important part of our communications toolkit, especially where we need to share complex information.
Last week, we launched a major campaign promoting the upcoming elections. Our goal is to encourage Far North residents to get enrolled, to stand for election, and to vote in the October local elections. To support that message, a specially branded ‘2022 Elections Tour’ van will begin visiting marae, community and sports events, and cafés. We’ll be asking residents to Step Up - Tū rangatira mai, Stand Up - Tū kotahi mai, and Speak Up - Mō te āpōpō.
Enrolling, standing and voting are important messages to promote every election. This time, however, differs from previous elections for several key reasons. The total number of councillors has increased from nine to 10. It will be the first council election in the Far North to use the proportional Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, which will significantly change the way we select local representatives. But most importantly, this election will be the first to include the Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori ward. This covers the entire district and will see four councillors representing this ward on council.
These are major changes and we believe a video will be the best way to inform the widest possible audience about them. Of course, we also want our video to showcase the diversity of our district. To help achieve that, we decided to simultaneously release it in New Zealand’s three languages – Te Reo Māori, English and New Zealand Sign Language. It is the first-time Far North District Council has produced a video in each language and may even be a first in New Zealand. I urge you to judge the results yourself by viewing each video on our YouTube channel youtube.com/c/FarNorthDistrictCouncil
I want to thank all those who feature in the video. They happily donated their time to encourage their fellow Far North residents to enrol, stand and vote in the October elections. They did so because local elections are important and full participation is how we can ensure that our democracies remain vibrant, relevant and representative of our communities. Our video ‘stars’ came from Hokianga, Ahipara, Kerikeri, Waitangi and Ōkaihau. Special thanks must also go to our sign language expert, Eddie Hokianga from Kaikohe, and also to Awhina Rose Henare Ashby from Kawakawa, who presented and provided the video voiceover.
We’ll be promoting the elections between now and election day on 8 October. The next key date to remember is 15 July when nominations open. You then have until 12 August to put yourself forward for election. Voting documents will be posted out from 16 September. For more information, go to our election 2022 webpage www.fndc.govt.nz/Local-Elections-2022.