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The Māori ward is being contested for the first time in Whanganui, but turnout is low so far.

Departing councillors have voiced their support for retaining the Māori ward in their valedictory speeches at the final Marlborough District Council meeting before the election.

Some mental health wards were short-staffed overnight almost all of the time, a new report has found.

Candidate profiles were left out of voting packs in three districts.

A Local Government New Zealand committee says the omission is disappointing and concerning, especially given the referendum on Māori Wards.

Labour and the Greens have condemned Tākuta Ferris' decision to double down on his comments, but Te Pāti Māori has not fronted to media

The country's Electoral Officer has admitted the mistake occurred in "the proofing and printing process".

Tākuta Ferris has doubled down, at odds with his party's earlier apology.

The pair see it as a sign of their districts seeking consistency, although one academic says it could actually signal apathy. Audio

Many councils chose to set up Māori wards at the 2022 elections, but under new legislation, councils must now ratify them by referendum or abolish them.

So what are the rules around the upcoming elections?

Fifteen-year-old Jack Karetai-Barrett took Country Life on a night walk through Whakatāne's kiwi country.

About 50 people turned out in Tangiteroria, midway between Dargaville and Whangārei, to hear from four would-be mayors.

Cameron Luxton claims the Western Bay of Plenty District Council is campaigning on social media to keep its Māori ward.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell has criticised Hobson's Pledge for using her image without permission in a social media post critical of Māori wards.

The incumbent and her rival debated the region's water woes and rates rises.

Election hoardings have been vandalised and graffitied with offensive and racist words.

More than 10 candidates of Asian origin are contesting local government seats in the Canterbury region.