Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Local Electoral Act 2001

Local elections and polls - Electoral systems for elections

27: Local authority may resolve to change electoral systems

You could also call this:

"Councils can change their voting system for local elections"

Illustration for Local Electoral Act 2001

You can change how you vote in local elections. A local authority can decide to use a different voting system. This change happens for the next two elections. You make this change by resolving to use a new system. This resolution takes effect for two elections. It stays in effect until you make another change or have a poll under section 33. An associated election is one that happens between the main elections. It can be to fill a vacancy or to elect new members under section 258I or 258M of the Local Government Act 2002. This rule is also subject to section 32.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM93969.

Topics:
Government and voting > Local councilsGovernment and voting > Elections
Previous

26: Right to nominate candidate, or

"Nominating Someone to Stand in a Local Election"

Next

28: Public notice of right to demand poll on electoral system, or

"Noticing Your Right to Vote on How Local Elections Work"

Part 2Local elections and polls
Electoral systems for elections

27Local authority may resolve to change electoral systems

  1. Any local authority may, not later than 12 September in the year that is 2 years before the year in which the next triennial general election is to be held, resolve that the next 2 triennial general elections of the local authority and its local boards or community boards (if any), and any associated election, will be held using a specified electoral system other than that used for the previous triennial general election.

  2. A resolution under this section—

  3. takes effect, subject to paragraph (b), for the next 2 triennial general elections of the local authority and its local boards or community boards (if any), and any associated election; and
    1. continues in effect until either—
      1. a further resolution under this section takes effect; or
        1. a poll of electors of the local authority held under section 33 takes effect.

        2. This section is subject to section 32.

        3. In this section, and in sections 28 to 34, associated election, in relation to any 2 successive triennial general elections of a local authority (and its local boards or community boards (if any)), means—

        4. any election to fill an extraordinary vacancy in the membership of the body concerned that is held—
          1. between those elections; or
            1. after the second of those elections but before the subsequent triennial general election:
            2. an election of the members of the body concerned called under section 258I or 258M of the Local Government Act 2002 that is held—
              1. between those elections; or
                1. after the second of those elections but before the subsequent triennial general election.

                Notes
                • Section 27(1): amended, on , by section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
                • Section 27(1): amended, on , by section 9(1) of the Local Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 85).
                • Section 27(2)(a): substituted, on , by section 9(2) of the Local Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 85).
                • Section 27(2)(a): amended, on , by section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
                • Section 27(2)(b)(ii): amended, on , by section 9(3) of the Local Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 85).
                • Section 27(4): added, on , by section 9(4) of the Local Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 85).
                • Section 27(4): amended, on , by section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
                • Section 27(4)(b): amended, on , by section 43 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 93).