South Wairarapa Leads Voter Turnout Ahead of Local Elections

Voter turnout in South Wairarapa is currently leading the Wairarapa region, with **29%** of eligible voters in Martinborough having cast their votes ahead of the local body elections. With less than two weeks remaining until the polls close at noon on **October 11, 2025**, the district’s overall turnout stands at approximately **24%** as of **September 29**, translating to nearly **2,300** votes from a total of about **9,300** eligible voters.

Across the various wards, Greytown reported a **23%** turnout, while Featherston’s turnout reached **21%**. The South Wairarapa Māori ward noted a lower participation at **18%**. In comparison, the total voter turnout for the South Wairarapa district during the 2022 elections was **54%** at the close of voting.

Voting facilities are readily accessible, with orange voting boxes placed throughout the district, including at local libraries and supermarkets. This initiative aims to encourage participation and make the voting process more convenient for residents.

In contrast, the neighboring Carterton district shows a markedly lower voter turnout, currently just over **8%** with approximately **650** votes cast from around **7,700** eligible voters. The previous election in 2022 resulted in a total turnout of **59%**. Carterton council’s chief executive, **Geoff Hamilton**, noted that the number of returned voting papers is slightly ahead of the previous election cycle. He remains optimistic about increasing turnout as election day approaches, urging residents to vote either by mail before **October 7** or by using one of the five orange voting bins located throughout the town.

Hamilton stated, “Historically, Carterton has always had a high voter turnout and with such an engaged and passionate community, this year will be no different.” He highlighted the locations of the voting bins, which include the council office on Holloway Street, the Wairarapa Events Centre, and various local service stations.

In Masterton, voter turnout is currently around **13%**, with approximately **2,700** votes cast from a total of **20,100** eligible voters. The Māori ward in Masterton has seen an **11%** turnout. The previous elections in **2022** recorded a turnout rate of just under **47%**.

To boost participation, a mobile ballot bin will visit remote areas including Tīnui, Castlepoint, and Riversdale on **October 4**. Nine locations in Masterton have increased the availability of ballot bins, including at **Waiata House**, the council’s Queen Street office, and several supermarkets.

For individuals who have not received their voting papers or who have not yet enrolled, a special voting process is available. This can be completed in about **15 minutes** at any time between **9:00** and **16:00** at Waiata House. Additionally, late-night special voting will be offered on **October 7** and **October 9** from **16:00** to **19:00**, accommodating those unable to vote during regular hours.

In the nearby Tararua district, the current voter turnout stands at nearly **20%**. These figures reflect a community-wide effort to engage voters and ensure that all voices are heard in the upcoming local body elections.