Do you like the First Past the Post system?

Chatham Islands Council is planning to keep using the First Past the Post (FPP) voting system for the 2028 election unless the community decides it would like to consider a change.

Eligible voters can request a poll to choose between FPP and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system by submitting a written request signed by at least 22 electors. To have the poll apply to the 2028 and 2031 elections, the request must reach Council by 5pm on Friday 11 December 2026.

Chatham Islands Council – Public notice – right to demand a poll

Notice of the right to demand a poll on the electoral system

If Chatham Islands Council is required to hold an election in 2028, notice is given under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 that Chatham Islands Council will continue to use the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system for the 2028 triennial election.

Chatham Islands Council electors have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used at the next two triennial general elections (2028 and 2031) for Chatham Islands Council.

The choice is between the First Past the Post (FPP) and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral systems.  Unless a poll determines otherwise, Chatham Islands Council will continue to use the FPP electoral system.

A valid demand for a poll must be:

• Made in writing
• Signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of Chatham Islands Council (448).  This will require a minimum of 22 elector signatures
• Every elector who signs a demand must also set out their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of Chatham Islands Council 
• Delivered to the Chatham Islands Council office, 13 Tuku Road, Chatham Islands by 5pm Friday 11 December 2026.

Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 11 December 2026, the poll will be held no later than 28 March 2027 and will have effect for the 2028 and 2031 elections.  If the valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2026, then the poll will be held after 28 March 2027, and will have effect for the 2031 and 2034 elections.

Dated: 25 August 2026

Bob Penter
Interim Chief Executive