Vote Friday: Stuff, Spark, NZ Police workers to get time off to cast election votes

At least 10,000 Auckland workers will be able to cast thier votes at their offices this year.

The Vote Friday initiative will see staff at businesses across the city given 30 minutes to fill out ballot papers on 4 October. 

Among those taking part are Stuff, NZ Police, Auckland Council, Spark, Auckland Business Chamber and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Companies can sign up to take part by visiting voteauckland.co.nz, and an information pack will then be emailed out.

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Businesses taking part can either post completed voting papers with their outgoing mail, put them in a post box or arrange for a Vote Friday ballot box to visit their office.

Auckland Council chief executive Stephen Town said Vote Friday was an excellent way to for business to encourage participation in local democracy. 

That was echoed by Chloe Hubbard, Auckland Editor in Chief at Stuff Ltd, who said: "Half an hour out of the day to encourage the Auckland team to engage in democracy is absolutely worth it.

"As a business we publish daily on local politics - our staff know more than most how important it is that those who are eligible to vote take the time to do so."

Superintendent Karyn Malthus said police were proud to be involved. 

"Police across Tāmaki Makaurau are committed to making our communities be safe and feel safe. By supporting Vote Friday you can help make our communities even stronger." 

Jolie Hodson, Spark chief executive, said Vote Friday made it easier for its staff to have their say on Auckland's future, while Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett encouraged businesses "far and wide" to get involved.

Local body elections take place every three years and people will be voting on who should be their local board members, licensing trust members, district health board members, councillors and mayor.

The election will be held from Friday September 20 until midday on October 12.