If Timaru District Council is required to hold an election in 2028, notice is given under section 28 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 that Timaru District Council will continue to use the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system for the 2028 triennial election.

Timaru District Council electors have the right to demand a poll on the electoral system to be used at the next two triennial general elections (2028 and 2031) for Timaru District Council.

The choice is between the First Past the Post (FPP) and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral systems.  Unless a poll determines otherwise, Timaru District Council will continue to use the FPP electoral system.

A valid demand for a poll must be:

• Made in writing
• Signed by at least 5 percent of eligible electors of Timaru District Council.  This will require a minimum of 1,681 elector signatures
• Every elector who signs a demand must also set out their full name and the address for which they are qualified as an elector of Timaru District Council
• Delivered to the Timaru District Council office, 2 King George Place, Timaru by 5pm Friday, 11 December 2026.

Should a valid demand for a poll be received by 11 December 2026, the poll will be held no later than 28 March 2027, and will have effect for the 2028 and 2031 elections.  If the valid demand for a poll is received after 11 December 2026, then the poll will be held after 28 March 2027, and will have effect for the 2031 and 2034 elections.

Nigel Trainor
Chief Executive
12 September 2026