MEDIA RELEASE
30 September 2013
Electoral Commission
Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri
Preparations Underway for 2013 Citizens Initiated Referendum
The Electoral Commission wants to make it easy for people to take part in the Citizens Initiated Referendum on the
question “Do you support the Government selling up to 49% of Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power, Genesis Power, Solid Energy and
Air New Zealand?"
“It’s important that New Zealanders know that a referendum is being held and how to take part,” says Robert Peden, Chief
Electoral Officer. “Look out for information in your letterbox next week – it will tell you more about what to expect.”
The referendum runs from Friday 22 November until Friday 13 December, and will be held by postal vote. Voters must be
correctly enrolled before voting begins in order to get their voting paper and be able to take part.
“People need to make sure that they are enrolled and that their details are up to date, as only those correctly enrolled
will receive their voting papers,” says Mr Peden. “Check your details now – it’s easy. You can do it online or at your
local PostShop.”
To enrol or update your details, fill in a new enrolment form now. Enrolment forms are available from the elections
website www.elections.org.nz, freephone 0800 36 76 56, by Freetexting your name and address to 3676, or from any
PostShop.
Voting papers will be sent to all correctly enrolled voters at the start of the voting period. People need to tick yes
or no on the referendum voting paper in response to the referendum question, and return the voting paper in the envelope
provided.
People should post their voting papers back no later than Thursday 12 December to be sure they are returned on time.
ENDS
A timeline for the Citizens Initiated Referendum is set out below.
DateActivitySunday 6 October Campaign starts to ensure people are correctly enrolled to vote in the referendum.
Enrol or update your enrolment details at:
• www.elections.org.nz
• by Freetexting name and address to 3676
• any PostShop
• by calling Freephone 0800 36 76 56Thursday 21 NovemberLast chance to enrol to vote.Friday 22 NovemberVoting opens in the Citizens Initiated Referendum on the question “Do you support the Government selling up to 49 % of
Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power, Genesis Power, Solid Energy and Air New Zealand?”Friday 29 November All voting papers sent to enrolled electors by this date.Thursday 12 DecemberVoting papers posted in New Zealand by this date will reach the Returning Officer in time.
Voting papers sent from overseas need to be postmarked no later than Thursday 12 December.7pm Friday 13 DecemberVoting closes.8.30pm [target]
Friday 13 DecemberTarget time for preliminary result to be announced.
www.electionresults.govt.nz
www.elections.org.nzTuesday 17 December
NoonLast point for voting papers to be received for inclusion in the count (they must be postmarked no later than 12
December if from overseas).Tuesday 17 December
5pm [target]
Official result announced.
www.electionresults.govt.nz
www.elections.org.nz