Help for Wairoa voters, chance of jobs

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The Electoral Commission will visit Wairoa on Thursday to talk about the Māori Electoral Option and jobs that will be available during this year’s election.

Electoral Commission adviser, community engagement, Michelle Jaggard says Wairoa had been hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“There’ll be some Māori voters who have had to move and won’t have received information packs about the Māori Electoral Option, or just might not have had time to think about it.”

The Māori Electoral Option is the choice for Māori between being on the Māori electoral roll or the general electoral roll.

Voters who want to change the roll they are on before this year’s election need to do it by July 13.

“If you are in Wairoa, drop in to see us,”said Ms Jaggard.

“We can make sure you’re enrolled at the right address and help you change rolls if you’d like to.

“Voting services regional manager James Mist will also be there to talk to people about the local jobs on offer at this year’s election which will be held on October 14.

“A range of jobs are available in the weeks leading up to and on election day.

‘We’re looking for local people to work in our voting places.

“It’s good work experience, and you’ll be helping everyone in your community to vote.

“We also want feedback on the voting places we had in Wairoa in 2020, which places worked best and where else might be good.

“The damage from Cyclone Gabrielle may mean we have to look again at where some of our voting places are.”

A mock voting place will be set up at the War Memorial Hall on Thursday to show people what a voting place looks like and the voting process.

“We often hear that voting places can be a bit frightening to go into, especially when you haven’t voted before,” Mr Mist said.

“Here’s a chance to have a look at what it’s all about.

“Come along and share some kai with us — everyone is welcome,” Mr Mist said.

■ Elections drop-in session and sausage sizzle, Wairoa War Memorial Hall, Thursday May 18, 11am to 3.30pm.