Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

I'm always disappointed at the low voting turnout in local body elections. I'm never sure if people don't know who to vote for, don't think it is important to vote – or just don't care.

This year, Local Government New Zealand is running a Vote2016 campaign to raise awareness of the importance of voting to select who will be representing the community on our local councils. The aim of the campaign is to lift nationwide voter turnout in local elections to more than 50 per cent for the first time since the 1980s.

As part of this, schools are being given the chance to participate in the Kids Voting programme, where students aged 11-15 have the opportunity to engage with real issues, decide which candidates best represent their own views, and vote for real candidates in their region.

Although the students' votes will not be officially counted, the experience of participating in a real election is a great way to provide an understanding of the value and importance of local government in our future voters.

LGNZ is now calling for expressions of interest for Kids Voting 2016. A letter has been sent to all schools with students in Years 7-10, inviting them to participate and already eight have signed up.

I hope some of our Bay schools take up the opportunity. Teachers can get the teaching resource and find more information on Kids Voting at www.lgnz.co.nz/vote2016/voters/kids-voting.

If you'd like more information on the Regional Council or any other issue, contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150.