Electoral system
Electoral system to remain First Past the Post
Thames-Coromandel District Council has confirmed that the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system will be used for the 2028 and 2031 local elections.
Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, councils must periodically decide which electoral system will be used for future local elections. Council resolved at its 28 July 2026 meeting, to retain the First Past the Post voting system for the 2028 and 2031 local elections.
What is First Past the Post?
First Past the Post is the voting system currently used for Thames-Coromandel District Council elections. Under this system, voters select their preferred candidate or candidates, and the candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected.
What is Single Transferable Vote?
Single Transferable Vote (STV) is an alternative electoral system available to councils.
Under STV, voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than simply selecting their preferred candidates. During the counting process, votes may be transferred between candidates until all available positions are filled.
Public Notice and Electors' Rights
The Local Electoral Act 2001 requires councils to publicly notify their decision on the electoral system to be used for future elections.
Electors have the right to challenge Council's decision by requesting a poll on the electoral system. A poll would allow eligible voters to decide whether future local elections should use First Past the Post or Single Transferable Vote.
What is a Demand for a Poll?
A demand for a poll is a formal request from electors asking for a district-wide vote on the electoral system.
To be valid, the demand must be signed by at least five percent of electors enrolled at the previous local election and submitted to Council by the statutory deadline. If a valid demand is received, a binding poll must be held in accordance with the requirements of the Local Electoral Act 2001.
What Happens Next?
Unless a valid demand for a poll is received, First Past the Post will remain the electoral system used for the 2028 and 2031 local elections.
Council will also undertake a representation review during 2026-2027 to determine the representation arrangements that will apply from the 2028 election. This review will consider matters such as ward boundaries, councillor representation, and community board arrangements.
For more information about local elections and representation arrangements, contact Council's Electoral Officer or visit the Elections section of the Thames-Coromandel District Council website.
See the Public Notice here
The 2025 Māori Ward poll resulted in the removal of the Māori Ward for the 2028 and 2031 local elections. As a result, Council is required to undertake a representation review to determine the representation arrangements that will apply from the 2028 election.