Single Transferrable Voting
Learn how the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system works, including how votes are counted and how this method supports fair representation in local elections.
Background
The Ministry’s role in providing this information is to inform the public about the Single Transferable Voting system (STV) and the processes by which local authorities may choose to adopt it.
For a concise summary of STV and how it works, go to: www.stv.govt.nz
What is STV?
STV stands for Single Transferable Vote. In its simplest form, STV means that voters are able to rank candidates in order of preference, rather than simply pick their most preferred candidate for each vacancy.
Meek's method has been selected as the system for counting votes in New Zealand STV elections.
Until 2004, local authority elections were conducted using the FPP (First Past the Post) electoral system.
STV was used for elections to the Christchurch City Council in 1917, 1929, 1931 and 1933, and for Woolston Borough Council in 1917 and 1919.
STV has also been used in some private capacities, such as the election of members to the Board of Directors and Shareholders Council of Fonterra). FPP was the system used to elect Members of Parliament until the introduction of MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) in 1996.
When is STV used in New Zealand?
STV is used to elect members of local authorities that have adopted STV. Previously district health board (DHB) elections were conducted as part of local elections and used STV until DHBs were disestablished.
Local authorities had the option of adopting STV for the elections in 2025 and 15 local authorities chose to do so.
The Local Electoral Act 2001 sets out the steps that must be taken for STV to be adopted. Local authorities include city, district and regional councils. Some areas also have licensing trusts.
Which Electoral System Local Authorities used in 2025
Single Transferable Vote (STV)
Dunedin City Council
Far North District Council
Gisborne District Council
Greater Wellington Regional Council
Hamilton City Council
Kapiti Coast District Council
Marlborough District Council
Nelson City Council
New Plymouth District Council
Otago Regional Council (1st time)
Palmerston North City Council
Porirua City Council
Ruapehu District Council
Wellington City Council
Whangarei District Council (1st time)
First Past the Post
Ashburton District Council
Auckland Council
Buller District Council
Carterton District Council
Central Hawkes Bay District Council
Central Otago District Council
Chatham Islands Council
Christchurch City Council
Clutha District Council
Environment Bay of Plenty
Environment Canterbury
Environment Southland
Environment Waikato
Gore District Council
Grey District Council
Hastings District Council
Hauraki District Council
Hawkes Bay Regional Council
Horizons Regional Council
Horowhenua District Council
Hurunui District Council
Hutt City Council
Invercargill City Council
Kaikoura District Council
Kaipara District Council
Kawerau District Council
Manawatu District Council
Masterton District Council
Matamata-Piako District Council
Mackenzie District Council
Napier City Council
Northland Regional Council
Opōtiki District Council
Ōtorohanga District Council
Queenstown-Lakes District Council
Rangitikei District Council
Rotorua District Council
Selwyn District Council
South Taranaki District Council
South Waikato District Council
South Wairarapa District Council
Southland District Council
Stratford District Council
Taranaki Regional Council
Tararua District Council
Tasman District Council
Taupo District Council
Thames-Coromandel District Council
Timaru District Council
Upper Hutt City Council
Waikato District Council
Waimakariri District Council
Waimate District Council
Waipa District Council
Wairoa District Council
Waitaki District Council
Waitomo District Council
Whanganui District Council
West Coast Regional Council
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Westland District Council
Whakatane District Council
Contact Us
If you have a query about STV, contact localelections@mcert.govt.nz