Cast your Highest Vote before polls close this Saturday

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is encouraging residents to get their votes in this week before polling closes at midday sharp on Saturday 11 October. 

With just days to go, now is the time to cast your Highest Vote and it is recommended voters drop their voting papers into one of the district’s bright orange voting bins to avoid any possible delays with postal voting. Votes received after midday on 11 October will not be counted. 

Taking democracy to new heights, this Friday 10 October, QLDC is hosting a one-day-only voting bin at the Crown Range Lookout - Aotearoa New Zealand’s highest voting spot. Whether you drop your vote in mid-commute or just on a day out, it’s the perfect opportunity to take part in democracy from one of the most iconic locations in the district. 

Locals can also cast their Highest Vote at one of two pop-up voting places this week: 

Tuesday 7 October, 2.00pm–6.00pm at the Hāwea Community Centre 

Thursday 9 October, 12.00pm–6.00pm at The Farmhouse Café, Hanley’s Farm 

Voters who haven’t received their papers, or who aren’t yet enrolled, can still take part as staff will be on hand at the Hanley’s Farm and Hāwea pop-ups to help locals cast their vote. Alternatively, voters can come into Council offices in Gorge Road, Queenstown or Ardmore Street, Wānaka. 

QLDC Deputy Electoral Officer Jane Robertson said the final week is crucial for lifting local voter turnout. 

“Turnout usually rises sharply in the final days of voting. With special pop-up voting places and the highest voting bin at the Crown Range Lookout, as well as our 14 other voting locations, there’s every chance to make your voice heard.” 

As of 3 October, 4,770 votes have been returned, which represents 15.33% of eligible voters across the district (voting returns at this stage in 2022 was at 15.68%). 

For those still deciding, information on candidates and their policies is available on Council’s website at https://qldc.govt.nz/your-council/elections. 

Voting officially closes at 12.00 noon on Saturday 11 October, with progress results available later that day and final results expected the following week. 

ENDS | KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri:

Find out more: qldc.govt.nz/your-council/elections  

To have your say, complete your voting papers and return them by mail or to one of the district’s voting bins before voting closes. 

Queenstown voting bin locations 

• PAK'nSAVE 

• Woolworths 

• New World 

• The Warehouse 

Upper Clutha voting locations 

• New World Three Parks 

• New World Wānaka 

• Hāwea Store and Kitchen 

Council venue voting locations 

• Frankton Library 

• Arrowtown Library 

• Wānaka Library 

• Queenstown Library 

• Queenstown Events Centre 

• Queenstown Council Office (10 Gorge Road)

• Wānaka Council Office (47 Ardmore Street) 

Special votes can be made in person at the Queenstown Council Office at 10 Gorge Road or the Wānaka Office at 47 Ardmore Street.