Help Shape the Future of Aotearoa. Our Voice, Our Future
An opinion piece by Dr Juliet Kane
We’re making Porirua the best place to raise a whānau
Nearly one in four enrolled New Zealanders did not vote in the last general election. Yet decisions made by the government about housing, health, education, employment, and community wellbeing affect all of us every day. Communities are strongest when people are part of the decisions that shape their lives.
As the election approaches, many of us will be considering the future we want for our communities. Voting is one way people can have a say in that future.
This year, people must be enrolled by 25 October to vote in the 7 November election. This means enrolment will close 12 days before election day, making it important to check enrolment details early.
Young people, Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, renters, and those experiencing financial hardship often face greater barriers to participation. At the same time, these communities are often most affected by public policy decisions. Supporting participation in elections helps build stronger, more representative communities where a wider range of voices are heard.
The Role We Can Play
Many readers of this pānui work in community organisations, health services, education, social services, advocacy, and local initiatives.
While it is not our role to tell people who to vote for, we can play an important role in supporting participation.
For some people, voting is straightforward. For others, there may be practical barriers.
Small conversations and actions can make a difference. A simple reminder, displaying information in a waiting room, or helping someone find the information they need may be the encouragement that turns intention into participation.
Shaping the Future Together
Every vote is an opportunity to help shape the future of our communities.
We encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to make their voice heard. For those of us working alongside whānau and communities, that may also mean helping others to have their say. The more voices that are heard, the more likely decisions will reflect the realities, aspirations, and strengths of our communities.
This year, it is especially important that people check their enrolment details early.
Need help with your electrol enrolment?
Attend a pop-up session at Porirua’s City Centre Library Te ngahere o te matauranga ki Porirua where representatives from the Electoral Commission will be on hand to answer any questions you might have and assist you with enrolling for the country’s General Election in November.
Sessions run from 11am till 2pm on
Saturday 12 September and
Saturday 19 September
Or visit the Porirua Enrolment Hub, at Northcity Mall, Store 132, Lower Level next to Reading Cinemas.
Open from 8 September - 4 October
Mon - Wed: 9am - 6pm
Thu: 9am - 9pm
Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am - 6pm
You can also update your enrolment status by going to vote.nz or calling 0800 36 76 56 or texting your name and address to 3676 (free text).