I am disappointed to see that the Governing Body of Auckland Council today yet again decided to not shift our city to Single Transferable Vote (also known as ranked voting) for the next election.
This goes against the Future of Local Government report and further entrenches the old systems that have created poor voter engagement.
I find the suggestion that voters aren't smart enough to handle more than a single tick insulting. Similarly if the suggestion that STV requires voters to know the candidates better has any validity, then it seriously calls into who is being elected under FPP.
I'd like to thank Councillor Chris Darby for raising the issues with the report and suggesting a more thorough analysis of the options, even if the amendment was ultimately withdrawn.
For the record, the Howick Local Board unanimously voted to change to STV, along with a campaign to educate the public (Howick Local Board minutes for 20 July 2023)
We weren't alone, with a total of three local boards supporting a move to STV and a further four requesting other options (including public consultation). Less than half of Local Boards supported remaining with FPP (despite comments that suggested it was "an overwhelming majority").
The next decision date is 2026, although there should be more work completed on this beforehand - it was suggested this might be handled by one of the working parties, although nothing formal has been recorded to ensure this happens or establish scope etc.