LGNZ has started a conversation with New Zealand residents about the key issues affecting communities on social media through its Vote2016 campaign launched late last month.

This is part of the first phase of the Vote2016 campaign focused on increasing engagement with residents on important issues such as freshwater, transport, tourism, business and economic development and local amenities and services.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says that by raising key issues affecting communities around the country, LGNZ is hoping it will encourage residents to get more involved in conversations about what matters to them, and how they can get involved.

“Our aim is to grow citizens’ understanding of the breadth of services delivered each day by local governments across New Zealand, and the impact those services have on their everyday lives. By making that connection, we hope it inspires Kiwis to take a more proactive stance on the issues they care about in their communities,” says Mr Yule.

LGNZ’s first Facebook post asked New Zealanders whether they thought enough was being done to keep our lakes, rivers, streams and beaches clean.

The issue was seen by over 175,000 people in its first week, and, not surprisingly, the feedback revealed the tremendous passion Kiwis have for issues around the future of the country’s freshwater and the environment.

Mr Yule says LGNZ is encouraged by the initial results and looks forward to more discussion on subsequent issues raised throughout the campaign.

“The response we’ve received so far is very encouraging. New Zealanders are passionate about their communities and it’s great to see residents getting involved in the conversation about what matters most to them,” says Mr Yule.

The Facebook campaign directs users to visit vote2016.co.nz, the Vote2016 campaign website which provides information for voters, candidates, media, and other key partners and also offers campaign background and research statistics.

LGNZ’s Vote2016 elections campaign aims to raise voter turnout above 50 per cent nationally for the first time since 1998.

“Our goal is that, for the first time in nearly two decades, local government will be elected by a majority of New Zealanders,” says Mr Yule.