Voters in no rush to have say

As at Tuesday, 33 per cent of residents in both South Wairarapa and Masterton had voted and 30 per cent of Carterton residents had returned their voting papers.

With just three days to go, the number of returned votes in the local council elections is lagging behind the 2010 elections.

On Tuesday, 33 per cent of South Wairarapa residents had returned their papers - 5 per cent down on the corresponding time in the last election.

Masterton was also at 33 per cent, 3 per cent down.

Carterton residents haven't exactly been rushing to vote. Just 30 per cent have voted which is 10 per cent fewer than at the same time in 2010.

Paora Ammunson, who is standing for election to the Wairarapa District Health Board, has released media statements encouraging people to vote.

Mr Ammunson urged all Wairarapa people to have their say and vote.

"Our grandfathers went to war to protect our right to vote, New Zealand women also fought for the right to vote; we honour them all when we do so," he said.

Voter indifference was in stark contrast to local outrage when vital services and resources were endangered, Mr Ammunson said.

"Every local would hit the streets to protest if our hospital was being closed down but we shouldn't have to wait until catastrophe looms to safeguard our community's future."

The Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union chairman said voter apathy also contrasted local pride when it came to sport.

"If we could turn our love for sport into voter turnout we would be set," he said.

"I love Wairarapa, I'm proud to come from here and lucky to bring my children up in Wairarapa. I know I'm not the only one.

"Local people need to vote, to have a say in their family's future and the future of Wairarapa.

"And, yeah, even if you're not going to vote for me, vote for someone."

Voting papers must be at council offices by midday Saturday to be counted.

Preliminary results will be announced on the day. Declaration and public notice of results will be posted on October 17-23.

The elections are for the South Wairarapa District Council, Carterton District Council, Masterton District Council, Wairarapa DHB, Masterton Licensing Trust, Greytown Trust Lands Trust, Masterton Trust Lands Trust, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and the Montfort Trimble Foundation.