Special edition: Local body elections 2019

Nationwide exit polls in the last local elections in 2016 indicated 60% of people under the age of 25 did not vote. The overall turnout of voters in Auckland was at 38.5% in 2016.

Let's try and change that.

Local body elections are just around the corner. We think voters should be given the chance to make an informed decision. So, we've got four candidates' debates for both the Howick Local Board and Auckland's Mayoralty lined up. 

To keep things fun, you'll be able to use your smartphone on all four nights to participate in live polls and ask the candidates questions. It proved a hit during last year's Howick by-election, with the format being labelled as "engaging" by Stuff and "a breath of fresh air" by the Howick & Pakuranga Times.

Even if you're not 18 yet, debates are still action-packed events. They're also a great way to learn more about your community.

Howick Local Board Candidates' Forum

Local board has got a vital part to play in shaping what our community’s like. Meet the people who will make decisions on local matters and provide local leadership.

The Howick Local Board is made up of three subdivisions, each contributing three members to the final make up of the board. To check out who you can vote for, and what council ward, local board area, and subdivision you belong to, check out this tool by Auckland Council.

Recruit Your Mayor — Mayoral Candidate Debate

Note: Can't make it all the way to the city? We'll be hosting a live broadcast session to Te Tuhi, 13 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga, from 7:00pm on Saturday 14 September. You'll still be able to ask the candidates questions and participate in live polls.

One of the projects we're working on, in collaboration with the Puketāpapa Youth Board, Younite, Whau Youth Board, and Manurewa Youth Council, is an interactive mayoralty debate with a twist.

This debate will replicate a job interview where attendees interact with the mayoral candidates as if they were their recruiters. You're the boss of our elected officials and you get to decide who you want to hire through your vote.

The mayor provides a vision for Auckland and is tasked with providing the leadership to achieve that vision. So, it only makes sense that we hire the right person for the job! All four events will be live-streamed from our Facebook page.