Progress figures released by electoral officers paint a gloomy picture of polling so far, reflecting a malaise seen across the country. The poor turnout is despite efforts across New Zealand to get greater participation and increase the number of voters from the poor 42 percent turnout recorded nationally in 2016.
Voters across North Canterbury have until noon on Saturday to drop off their votes at the main offices of the Hurunui, Waimakariri and Kaikoura district councils.
However, by 10am Wednesday morning, progress figures in all three districts was looking more encouraging. Hurunui was running at a 40.65% return - up on the 31.71% at the same time in the election cycle in 2016, and very close to the total vote in 2016 of 41.15%.
In the Waimakariri district voter turnout was 32.21%, well ahead of the 2016 count at the same time of 28.51% and close to the total vote three years ago of 39.37%. In Kaikoura, where there is only a mayoral election for the council, voter turnout stood at 35.59%, compared to 38.79% at the same time in 2016.
Some voters have told the North Canterbury News they are not voting because they have had a bad experience with their local council, do not know enough about the people standing, have no idea what their local council does, or believe it has no relevance to them.
In the Hurunui district, council staff have taken to the road in recent weeks in a bid to entice people to vote, with the promise of a cupcake. The crusade, called Voting parties - chat, snack and vote, has taken them to halls, supermarkets and libraries. The challenge of a vote-off may have also helped to raise the profile of the election.
The vote-off is a competition which has seen district councils challenge each other to see who can get the most engaged community, and Hurunui embraced the challenge.
The winner will be determined through which district/city has the largest percentage of voter turnout.
Eligible voters must be enrolled by Friday, giving them time to vote by the Saturday deadline. To enrol, people need to go online or get in touch with the Electoral Commission.
Votes can now only be dropped off at main council offices up until the deadline.
Special votes can also be cast by anyone who has lost, spoilt or not received their papers at the main council offices.
