TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1
THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2023
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Split over voting age Jill Taylor
Andrew Brown
By Roy Pilott
A move to lower the voting age for local body elections is getting mixed reviews from the region’s politicians. Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty introduced the bill into Parliament on Wednesday last week – but it has had virtually no publicity. The News asked elected local government members and MPs for their opinion. Early “poll” indications were that the move was supported – of the first half dozen responses, four were in favour, one opposed and one had no objection to the idea. But when this edition went to press 13 of 24 local and national politicians to respond had given the plan a thumbs down. If the bill is passed, candidates would have to go “back to school” when campaigning for votes in the 2028 local body elections – in other words, the one after next. The Bill establishes a youth electors’ category of voters and would see the creation of a youth electoral roll. It has been on the cards since the Supreme Court ruled in November that not allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote amounted to age discrimination. Labour has not sought to lower the general election voting age because it won’t be able
Liz Stolwyk
Dale-Maree Morgan
an informed vote – Ange Holt • …most 16 and 17 year olds don’t contribute to rates through rents or rates – Lou Brown. • I think allowing younger people to vote could see precious money directed their way, when it could be better spent on parents in need – Andrew Myers. • The majority of 16-year-olds have not yet fully experienced some of the issues facing New Zealand that need consideration when voting – Jo Davies-Colley. • Left-wing governments and liberals already have an excessive influence on children while at school – Clyde Graf. • If a person feels they wish to influence the leadership, governance and direction of their community and country then they should be permitted to do so – Liz Stolwyk. • I am now more supportive of considering a change – Susan O’Regan. • The small risk of giving the vote to some young people who may not be ready to exercise that right is outweighed by the potential benefits of enfranchising those who are ready – Dale Maree Morgan. • See full responses teawamutunews.nz • What do you think? Email editor@ goodlocal.nz • Next week: Three year term or four?
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Susan O’Regan
to achieve the 75 per cent yes vote required. Taranaki King Country MP Barbara Kuriger National favours keeping at 18. also voted no, and so did regional councillor But at local body level, it only requires Clyde Graf – regional council chair Pamela a majority vote in the house to change the Storey was in the yes camp. present law. Here’s a snapshot of some of the Waipā local body politicians were divided responses… in The News poll – nine were in favour and • I’m hoping the lower age will generate eight against. more interest from younger people – Clare Alana Mackay, Andrew Brown, Clare St St Pierre. Pierre, Dale-Maree Morgan, Liz Stolwyk, • If it happens it happens – Roger Gordon. Marcus Gower, Mike Montgomerie, Mike • Voters need more life experience before Pettit and Susan O’Regan were in favour, voting - Kane Titchener. Roger Gordon was neutral. • Those with strong political views will Andrew Myers, Ange Holt, Jill Taylor, Jo vote but the vast majority will not Davies-Colley, John Wood, Kane Titchener, unfortunately – Andrew Brown. Lou Brown and Sally Whitaker said no. • In general, teenagers at that age are not Bruce Thomas, Elise Badger, Philip Coles very aware of what goes on in both local and Sue Milner had not responded when this and central government – Jacqui Church. edition went to press. • …it has to be done in conjunction with Waikato District Council has lobbied civics education in schools… so that young against the change – mayor Jacqui Church people are informed of how government voted no in our poll, as did ward councillor works… - Mike Keir. Mike Keir. • I believe there is evidence that voting Taupō’s National MP Louise Upston said earlier in life is more likely to lead to the line had to be drawn somewhere, and her habitual voting – Mike Montgomerie. party was happy with 18. • Young people Space are heavily Te Awamutu News – Front Page Small Ad influenced But with the issue coming before the house, by adults such asthparents and teachers 81.5mm high x 84mm wide – insertion 27 July23 she noted “everyone’s views can be put and therefore subject to coercion – Sally forward for discussion. “That is when we Whitaker. can consider all the evidence and make an • I don‘t believe they have enough life informed decision”. experience and interest in politics to make
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