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Electoral System and the Opportunity to Change It

Electoral System: How We Vote

Ruapehu District Council uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for its elections, as allowed under the Local Electoral Act 2001.

When you vote, you rank candidates in order of preference. To be elected, a candidate must reach a specific number of votes (the quota), which depends on how many positions need filling and how many valid votes are cast.

Here's how votes are counted:

  • First, all first-preference votes are counted
  • If a candidate receives more votes than the quota, their surplus votes transfer proportionally to other candidates
  • If positions remain unfilled, the lowest-polling candidate is excluded and their votes transfer according to voters' next preferences
  • This continues until all positions are filled

The alternative system is First Past the Post (FPP), where you vote for your preferred candidate(s) and whoever receives the most votes wins, regardless of the proportion of total votes.

Changing the Electoral System

On 23 August 2023, Council resolved to use the “Single Transferable Vote” system for the 2025 and 2028 Local Government Elections. This decision remains in effect until either Council makes a new resolution or a public poll determines otherwise.

Council may:

  • Resolve to change the system for 2031 and 2034 elections
  • Conduct a binding poll on the question

Alternatively, residents can demand a binding poll.

Your Right to Request a Poll

By 19 September 2029, Council must publicly notify residents of their right to demand a poll on which electoral system to use.

A poll can be initiated if at least five per cent of electors sign a petition. Once changed, an electoral system must be used for at least two consecutive elections—we cannot switch systems every election cycle.

As of 9 August 2025, the number of electors for the Ruapehu District was 8,344, comprising of:

  • 101 Nominees
  • 35 Ratepayers, and
  • 8,208 Residential Electors.
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