2013 New Zealand local elections

Key dates for the election as set out by the Electoral Commission are: == Background ==

Timing Political commentator Vernon Small thought that the government would likely try and combine the local elections with the asset sales referendum, but this did not happen. Instead, the referendum was held via postal ballot between 22 November and 13 December. Electoral systems The local elections were held using postal ballot. Most city and district councils and all but one regional council used the first-past-the-post (FPP) voting system, with the exception of Dunedin City Council, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Marlborough District Council, Palmerston North City Council, Porirua City Council and Wellington City Council. The Wellington Regional Council was the sole regional council that used the STV system. All District Health Boards used the STV system. Councils under Crown Commission Environment Canterbury and Kaipara District were under statutory management and no elections were held. == Campaign ==

Regional councils The regional level of government in New Zealand is organised into areas controlled by regional councils. Territorial authorities The city and district level of government in New Zealand is organised into areas controlled by territorial authorities. Some of these also have the powers of regional governments and are known as unitary authorities. The Chatham Islands have their own specially legislated form of government. Mayors All territorial authorities (including the unitary authorities) directly elected mayors. == Analysis ==