Voters give 2016 local body elections the cold shoulderJANINE RANKIN/FAIRFAX NZ Voter turnout looks set to be lower than the last two local body elections. In stark contrast in the greater Manawatu region voting is up with Horowhenua, Rangitikei and Tararua districts breaking 50 per cent turnout. Central North Island district voting is hovering around the 36 per cent mark, but Taupo District Council voting sits at 43 per cent of eligible voting so far. SOUTHERN DECLINEBy Thursday, Christchurch City voting was at 34 per cent, down four per cent from 2013. Meanwhile by Friday, Nelson voting has slid 7 per cent from the last local body elections with 44 per cent of Nelsonians having voted.

Source: Stuff October 07, 2016 05:31 UTC