New Zealand is a democratic country in which the members of parliament (MPs) and local bodies (Mayors and Councillors) are chosen in free and fair elections. Citizens and permanent residents who are aged 18 years and over are required to enrol to vote, though voting is not compulsory.
New Zealand has a single chamber of parliament which consists of the House of Representatives, which generally has 120 MPs, and the Governor-General (who does not personally attend the house). The house is elected for a maximum three-year term using the mixed member proportional (MMP) system. The next general election is scheduled to take place in 2011.
New Zealand also has sub-national elected government bodies including territorial local authorities, district health boards and school boards of trustees. Local body elections are also held every three years.
For more information on elections and voting, check out www.elections.org.nz.
The 3-yearly elections for the various local and ad hoc authorities are to be held in October this year. Election day is set for Saturday 9 October, voting will close at noon on that day.
These elections will see members elected using the First Past the Post (FPP) method, ie the highest number of votes wins.
Nominations for the vacancies open on Friday 23 July, and close at noon on Friday 20 August. Nomination forms will be available during this time from Council offices in Westport and Reefton.
If you are interested in standing for Council, click here for more information.
For more information on the 2010 Local Authority Elections please read the document below.
 | 2010 Local Election Information Adobe Acrobat Document: 126 KB, 18 seconds @ 56kbps |
To check or update your Enrolment details click here 
To view the results of the 2007 triennial election, download the pdfs below;
| Buller District Council election result Adobe Acrobat Document: 75.2 KB, 11 seconds @ 56kbps |
| Development West Coast election result Adobe Acrobat Document: 69.1 KB, 10 seconds @ 56kbps |
For further information please direct all enquiries to the Electoral Officer:
Phone: (03) 788 9111
Fax: (03) 788 8041
Email: info@bdc.govt.nz
In person: Brougham House, 6-8 Brougham Street, Westport
By post: Electoral Officer, Buller District Council, PO Box 21, Westport 7866
