In a major blunder, information for M\u0101ori ward candidates was also missing from election materials for \u014cp\u014dtiki District, South Wairarapa District and Manawat\u016b District councils.<\/p>\n
Candidates have described feeling \u201cabsolutely gutted\u201d<\/a> and sparked criticism of the integrity of the election process<\/a>.<\/p>\n In Whanganui, voting papers delivered last week list the names of the five M\u0101ori ward candidates \u2013 Kiritahi Firmin, Julie Herewini, Geoff Hipango, Hayden Potaka and Phil (Bear) Reweti \u2013 but their official statements are missing from the candidate booklet sent to every voter.<\/p>\n The five candidates are vying for the council\u2019s first two M\u0101ori ward seats.<\/p>\n Election services provider electionz.com has admitted responsibility, citing an error in proofing and printing.<\/p>\n Langford met electionz.com\u2019s managing director on Wednesday. He said the council pressed the company to send profiles to all electors, not just the 4810 voters on the M\u0101ori roll.<\/p>\n The company refused, saying it would do that only at the council\u2019s cost.<\/p>\n \u201c[It] explained that it is not necessary because people on the general roll are not eligible to vote for the M\u0101ori ward,\u201d Langford told Local Democracy Reporting.<\/p>\n While the council accepted that reasoning under the Local Electoral Act, Langford said he challenged the refusal because of broader consequences.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were concerned that this may have an influence on the referendum on whether Whanganui retains M\u0101ori Wards or not.\u201d<\/p>\n The council ran additional social media campaigns and newspaper advertisements at the weekend to highlight M\u0101ori Ward candidates. Profiles and candidate videos are also available on the council\u2019s website.<\/p>\n Langford said electionz.com had publicly apologised and agreed to cover the cost of the extra advertising council will undertake. He said the company had \u201cacted with integrity\u201d in responding to its mistake.<\/p>\n \u201cMistakes happen. What matters is how we respond to them. Our community should have confidence that when a mistake is made, we are transparent and put them right.\u201d<\/p>\n Council accepted electionz.com\u2019s view that only M\u0101ori roll voters were \u201cmaterially affected\u201d by the omission.<\/p>\n No legal or contractual action would be taken by the council, Langford said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur focus is now on encouraging participation in the election and referendum.\u201d<\/p>\n Langford said the council would commit to a full review of its contract with electionz.com once voting was complete.<\/p>\n Whanganui M\u0101ori Ward candidate Hayden Potaka said the omissions risked undermining the purpose of the new ward.<\/p>\n He described the mistake as \u201cdisheartening\u201d in what should have been a milestone election for local democracy.<\/p>\n \u201cIt risks sending the message that our representation isn\u2019t valued equally. That\u2019s not good enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Potaka warned the oversight could affect turnout, especially among wh\u0101nau voting in the M\u0101ori Ward for the first time.<\/p>\n He said both the council and its electoral service provider had a responsibility to ensure proper checks were in place.<\/p>\n \u201cM\u0101ori often have to fight harder just to be seen and heard in these spaces. This situation only highlights why the M\u0101ori Ward exists,\u201d Potaka said.<\/p>\n