Easier voting becomes law

People who find out on election day they are not on the electoral roll or their details are not up to date will now have their vote counted.

On Wednesday, 4 March Parliament passed the Electoral Amendment Bill which means the same rules applying during the advanced voting period will apply on election day. Voters can enrol and cast a vote at the same time. The Bill also allows for voting booths in supermarkets and malls on Election Day and for votes to be counted at a different place to the voting booth.

“We’ve made it easier for New Zealanders to exercise their democratic right to vote. Last election, around 19,000 potential voters were disenfranchised on voting day as they weren’t enrolled, and thousands more didn’t have their votes counted because their details weren’t up to date,” says Minister of Justice, Andrew Little. the sport,” says Julie.

“That won’t be repeated this year,” says Andrew.

The Bill also means in the case of an emergency, the Electoral Commission will also be able to adjourn polling and use alternative voting processes if there is disruption on election day.

The Bill makes changes to special votes that will improve vote issuing and counting processes at the 2023 general election.

The Bill will be followed by changes to the Electoral Regulations to improve the efficiency and timeliness of overseas, postal and dictation vote issuing and processing.

Above and right: Highly-skilled dog owners will be expertly commanding their dogs to control sheep.

Tapawera’s Eion Herbert has won national titles in the past, and other dog trialists will be onsite defending previous titles.

Next year will see the Waimea Dog Trial Club celebrate their centenary.

Spectators are more than welcome at both events.

Tapawera Dog Trials

20 and 21 March

4827 Motueka Valley Highway

Waimea Dog Trials

3 and 4 April 320 Higgins Road Wakefield

Dear Editor,

Reading the New Zealand Women’s Weekly (March Edition) I was impressed, and did not realise that our Prime Minister is a Muslim. Our Prime Minister is so very close to these people, and cares so, and has never forgotten the dreadful event that took place in Christchurch. A caring women indeed for the Muslim community. Well done Prime Minister.

Child poverty and the housing crisis in New Zealand is in dreadful strife, and will most certainly be an Election issue for New Zealand. The Coronavirus in New Zealand, is spreading, and causing great concern for businesses, having to lay off staff, and this affects many New Zealanders. These are difficult times for New Zealand, and the World, and we can only hope for a vaccine.

For the forthcoming future, we will need a very strong New Zealand Prime Minister, that looks outside the box, and acts for all New Zealanders, and for their health and welfare, but most of all, to see New Zealanders in their own homes. A lot to ask, but possible, and in our hands in November, for a more brighter and hopeful future for all.

Grace Turner Kaiteriteri

Dear Editor,

The Experts in Denture Care

The Community Board’s position that “it does not support camping sites or facilities in Motueka for uncertified, non-selfcontained vehicles” (Guardian, 4 March, p. 9) does not go far enough. The TDC draft Responsible Camping Strategy states “The current approach of prohibiting freedom camping in urban or high visitor use areas and sensitive or historical problem areas is considered appropriate and consistent with the principles of the FCA.” However, in Motueka’s urban area, we presently have freedom camping of so-called self-contained vehicles (many patently are not) at Beach Reserve and Decks Reserve. Campers at Beach Reserve exclude ratepayers from using its facilities. It makes no difference whether vehicles are self-contained or not – they and their owners occupy the space and prevent ratepayers from parking and accessing the barbecue area, petanque court, etc. A goal of the draft Strategy is that “The quality of life of local communities is maintained”, including “Reserves and public areas remain available, accessible and appealing for community use.” To achieve this goal, all freedom camping at Beach Reserve must be prohibited, and budget travelers directed to one of the many nearby campgrounds where there is not conflict with the resident community.

Sincerely,

Paul Mosley Motueka

Nelson Denture Clinic

Dear Editor,

John Middleton’s letter (4th March) is exactly the response I would expect from someone who so clearly wants to start an unnecessary argument.

Mr. Middleton throws academic journals at me. Has he ever been down to the Janie Seddon and had a look at the thousands of crabs residing there? On top of this visible evidence, the journal article he quotes actually says there “may” be harmful effects to sea life from rust. It does not state factually that there is.

According to his reasoning, since there are so many shipwrecks out there, I’m surprised the entire world’s sea life isn’t dead?

Elizabeth

Ph. (03) 548 1478 reception@nelsondentureclinic.co.nz

Ph. (03) 548 1478

Ph. (03) 548 1478 admin@nelsondentureclinic.co.nz admin@nelsondentureclinic.co.nz

35 Waimea Road, Nelson www.nelsondentureclinic.co.nz

35 Waimea Road, Nelson www.nelsondentureclinic.co.nz

35 Waimea Road, Nelson www.nelsondentureclinic.co.nz

Cummings

Dear Editor, CORONORVIRUS

What do we do to protect ourselves and our families, as this Virus is spreading world wide? New Zealand is not protected, as travellers come to New Zealand from all over the world. Do we as “Kiwis” travel also, it is our choice to do so, but the best option, and safest option, is to stay home. It may be only for a while, we don’t know, but home is best. Follow “Sanatising Directions”, washing hands etc and keep yourselves safe, and by avoiding huge crowds. Not a very hard procedure to follow, and make your “Holiday” times in New Zealand, and enjoy our beautiful country. Life is for living, so one does not stop, but at the present moment, do what is best for your protection from the Virus , and don’t panic! Panic will make you sick, and a waste of time! Enjoy your day, every day, and make the most of it, and keep trucking on, “Kiwi Style”!

Grace Turner Kaiteriteri

Dear Editor,

Wishing you all the best Sandy in your retirement and hoping that your words, “I just love this library” might become the catch phrase for this friendly, welcoming, community library. What better way to pay tribute than have to have ‘I just love this library’ - the sentiment too of many users - above the door of our new library, or prominently displayed above the issues desk. Food for thought Tasman District Council.

Ann Kidd Motueka

Takaka Hill night closures from 22 March

From Sunday 22 March, Takaka Hill Road will be closed to all traffic from 9pm to 6am for up to two weeks. Work is set to begin soon on the five complex slip sites on Takaka Hill, and temporary barriers around the major sites are requiring replacement. To help minimise disruption to daytime traffic, NZTA will work at night from Sunday to Thursday, between 9pm – 6am. The road will not be closed Friday and Saturday. The road will be opened for a short period each night for essential travel over the hill. Vehicles heading towards Takaka will be allowed through at 1am and those heading to Nelson at 1.15am. Emergency services will be able to use the road at all times.