Massey debates mooted

Political debates could be held at Massey University this year to help boost awareness of October's local government elections and get more students caring about who runs Palmerston North.

"I'd like to get some of the candidates up here and get some debates on concourse," Massey student president Kent Gearry said.

"That would be another way to raise awareness and say `these are the people running for our city'."

Palmerston North has been ranked lowest for the estimated percentage of residents enrolled to vote, with 87.6 per cent, slightly below Dunedin (88.3 per cent) and Wellington (90.2 per cent).

More than 7500 people in Palmerston North are eligible to vote, but have not enrolled, according to the Electoral Enrolment Centre.

Enrolment rates in the city are lowest among young people, estimated at 62.2 per cent for those aged 18 to 24, and 78.4 per cent for 25 to 29-year-olds.

The statistics are based on estimated population and enrolment numbers, resulting in some anomalies.

For example, in the Manawatu District, 104.5 per cent of 25 to 29-year-olds are enrolled.

Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor said debates at Massey were a great idea, but they had been poorly attended in the past.

"What I've found in talking to young people here to study is that many of them are registered to vote in their home towns," he said.

He felt there was a lack of connection with local issues and candidates.

"I would encourage people to take notice of what's going on in the city."

Mr Naylor wasn't sure what difference the number of enrolments would make to the voter turnout. The city's turnout of 45 per cent in 2008 was disappointingly low, he said.

City electoral officer John Annabell said people who had turned 18 might not yet have got around to enrolling.

The Electoral Enrolment Centre started a campaign this week to get more people enrolled.

People who don't receive an enrolment update pack in the mail by this Thursday are not correctly enrolled and won't be sent voting papers.

"Now is the chance to do something about it," said enrolment centre national manager Murray Wicks.

Enrolment forms are available on the centre's website, by texting your name and address to 3676, calling 0800 367 656 or from New Zealand Post shops.

- © Fairfax NZ News