Source: Porirua City Council
Voting packs will start to be delivered to letterboxes this week for Porirua’s by-election.
The Onepoto General Ward by-election is taking place after Mike Duncan died suddenly in June. Five candidates have put their names forward – you can read their profiles and watch their candidate videos at https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/mayor-councillors/elections-2026/information-for-voters/by-election-candidates/.
Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 16 October. Porirua’s Deputy Electoral Officer Jack Marshall says voters need to have their say on who represents them around the Council table. As with Porirua’s three-yearly local body elections, the by-election will be under the Single Transferable Voting system, meaning you can rank candidates in order of preference.
All the information on STV can be found at https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/mayor-councillors/elections-2026/information-for-voters/by-election-candidates/.
“We’re at a real time of change in Porirua, and around the country, when it comes to local government and the challenges we’re facing,” Jack says.
“Keep an eye out for your voting papers and make sure you cast that vote.”
Completed voting papers can be returned via one of 19 orange voting boxes placed around the Onepoto General Ward in supermarkets and libraries, or posted in a post box.
It’s also not too late to enrol. Go to https://vote.nz to do it and then get in touch with the Council elections team to cast a special vote – elections@poriruacity.govt.nz.