“In Wellington and Auckland, there are voting places in the CBD on election day.
“In Wellington there is a voting place at the Railway Station near Hnry Stadium, and in Auckland there are voting places at the Sylvia Park Shopping Centre and three schools near the Go Media Stadium.
The Electoral Commission has confirmed polling booths will not be at Go Media Stadium for the New Zealand Derby or Hnry Stadium for the Black Caps’ ODI against India on election day. Photo / Photosport
“All voting places on election day must be open by 9am and close at 7pm, which is one of the reasons why it’s not practical to have a voting place at a stadium which will only be busy for part of the day.
“But with so many voting places on the way, it will be easy for people to vote, and get to the game on time.”
Le Quesne encouraged voters to visit vote.nz to find the closest place to vote and opening times.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell floated the idea of polling booths at Hnry Stadium in June when he was asked about the Black Caps’ ODI fixture.
“Nicki [Russell] from New Zealand Cricket was teasing me about [the scheduling] on the way in,” Mitchell said at the time.
“I didn’t realise that [there was a clash].”
Auckland FC and New Zealand Cricket spokesmen confirmed they had contacted the electoral commission and were keen to set up booths, but cited logistical issues for the plan not proceeding.
A bumper day of sport and entertainment could be in store on election day, with the Kiwis potentially playing in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals on November 7 after opening their campaign with a 24-22 loss to the Kangaroos in Sydney.
Music fans have the choice of attending the High Tide music festival in Wellington’s Waitangi Park, while those in Auckland have the chance to see Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary tour at Spark Arena.
Those looking to stay up late can also watch the All Blacks play Scotland at Murrayfield, with kickoff scheduled for 3.10am.
Samuel Sherry is a live news sport journalist for the New Zealand Herald, based in Auckland.