Referendum results tomorrow: 54.2 percent turn-out – over 16,000 votes cast - 2/06/2005The results of Wanganui Referendum '05 will be released at a special function to be held tomorrow afternoon (Friday, June 3, at 5pm) in the revamped Council Chambers.
The referendum is part of a new 'direct democracy' initiative that has been introduced by the new Council.
Further referenda are planned for next year on representation issues as well as the Long-term Council Community Plan. These will include questions on establishing a soft water treatment plant for all Wanganui water and whether Wanganui's water supply should be fluoridated.
The referendum has been hailed by Mayor Michael Laws as an outstanding success and one that will play a critical role in the Council's Annual Plan deliberations later this month.
The final number of votes now exceeds 16,000 and represents 54.2 percent of the current electoral roll. The number of informal votes is significantly lower than those cast at last year's local body election.
The referendum turn-out exceeds both the average local body turn-out at the 2004 elections (49 percent) and the turn-out for the nationwide electoral reform referendum in 1992 of 53 percent.
The referendum results will be made available to all media at 5pm tomorrow as well as being published on the Council's special referendum web site. |
