STV is as easy as 1, 2, 3

31 Jul 2026

Council has decided to keep the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for the 2028 local body elections.

STV is a proportional electoral system where voters rank their preferred candidate with a 1, their second choice with a 2 and so on. They can vote for as many or as few candidates as they like.

The Kāpiti Coast District has used the STV system in every local body election since the system was introduced in 2004. The alternative is the First Past the Post (FPP) system where each voter can only make one choice for each vacancy.

If five percent or more of enrolled voters disagree with the decision to retain the STV system for our district, they have until 11 December 2026 to demand a poll if a change is to be made in time for the 2028 election.

Orange-tinted aerial view of a coastal residential area with hills and water in the background. Large white text over the image reads: “SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTING.”. The design appears to be part of a local elections information campaign.

To demand a poll, approximately 2,184 voters must sign a written demand for a poll. This is based on the number of people enrolled to vote in the district in the last local body election.

Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 11 December 2026, a poll will be held by 28 March 2027 on whether the STV or FPP electoral system will be used for the next two triennial elections (2028 and 2031). If a valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2026, a poll will be held after 28 March 2027 with the outcome applicable for the 2031 and 2033 triennial elections.

While the final electoral system decision will come into effect, Simplifying Local Government reforms provide some uncertainty on what the final structure of our Council might look like in 2028.