Voting documents will soon be sent out, inviting enrolled New Zealanders to cast their votes in the local elections.

While this is meant to be an important part of the democratic process, participation in local elections has been woeful in recent decades, sitting at around 42 per cent.

But this time, the stakes are higher. Numerous councils are in disarray and conspiracy theorists are encouraging their supporters to put forward candidates.

So will this be enough to encourage New Zealanders to head to the polls? And what price will we pay for a lack of participation?   

Today, Wellington issues reporter and host of On the Tiles – Local Edition, Georgina Campbell, joins Damien to discuss the battles shaping up in New Zealand’s local politics.    

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Host: Damien Venuto
Editor/Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills