A survey has revealed some alarming levels of apathy about this year's election.
The study found 55% of Pacific Islanders, 45% of Asians and 41%
of Maori didn't know that an election is being held this
year.
The electoral enrolment centre has budgeted almost $4 million to
sign up new voters and remind those already on the roll to check
their details.
Almost three million enrolment packs are being posted out this week
to people who are already signed up to vote but it seems that many
people don't even know there is going to be an election.
The Electoral Enrolment Centre says almost 240,000 people are not
enrolled to vote and national manager Murray Wicks says around 50%
of those are youth.
"The particular group which are less engaged in electoral matters
are Maori, Pacifica, Asian people and of course youth," says
Wicks.
Enrolment ambassador Mabel Wharekawa-Burt says young people need to
get involved and have their say.
She says she has come across apathy and others need to overcome
their suspicions about the political process.
"They really have no confidence in the political system of this
country," Wharekawa-Burt says.
Wicks acknowledges that nearly a quarter of a million unenrolled
citizens is a big hurdle to overcome.
He says everyone should have received their pack in the post by
Thursday, and that people who still want one delivered can enrol
online.
Currently the area with the highest number of enrolled voters is
the National stronghold of Waimate while the lowest enrolment is in
the Manukau electorate of Mangere.
The Maori Party has endorsed the new enrolment campaign. Co-leader
Dr Pita Sharples says the proportion of New Zealanders registered
to vote is a key marker of participation in the democratic
process.
"A big interest for us is to restore confidence and trust amongst
our young, about the opportunities to contribute
politically."
Co-leader Tariana Turia said the party would start a week long
policy tour across the Waiariki and Te Tai Hauauru electorates,
encouraging their constituencies to join the process.
