10/11/2023 - E +26 SITREPS
As at 2.49pm on 10/11/2023 prepared by Crispian
approved by Anusha Guler
Distributed to All GEDT/ELT members
Key Contacts
Anusha Guler and Crispian
Previous ELT
E+26 SITREPS 9 09112023 - FINAL.docx
SITREP
Overview
Summary of the current event
• Port Waikato By-election – overseas voting has commenced
• Recounts for 3 electorates has been lodged – Nelson, Mt Albert and Tamaki Makaurau
Voting Services GENERAL UPDATE
South Island Region
Nelson Recount
• Nelson recount is completed.
• Data has been entered into EMS and certificate has been printed for the judge.
• Judge is undertaking his process.
Auckland North Region
Mt Albert Recount
• We had a good meeting with the Judge yesterday
• Final preparations being put in place today
• The recount will start at 9am Monday, 13 November.
• Received all overseas votes at 4.30pm yesterday.
Auckland South Region
Tāmaki Makaurau Recount
• Received all ballot papers at Manurewa HQ at 8pm yesterday. Prepping for recount today. All set up
for recount on Monday, 13 November.
Note
• Central North Island and Lower North Island regions no longer attending taskforce meetings as they are
not currently impacted by the recounts.
• With the release of the updated official result, the timeline for any new recount application will restart
again. Any recount application will be treated as case-by-case basis.
Port Waikato
Port Waikato by-election
by-election
• Nothing to report. All on track.
Overseas Operations
• As at 9 November voting Papers downloads = 25. Uploads = 7
• Dictation Vote = 1
• Remote Vote = 1
Enrolment
GENERAL UPDATE (apology from Ross)
• The Post GE23 Review with permanent enrolment staff was completed in Wellington yesterday.
• The Auckland, Upper Hutt and Christchurch GE (General Election) enrolment processing centres are
currently being decommissioned.
• The three teams will be moving back to the permanent EC (Electoral Commission) locations next week,
with the Auckland and Christchurch teams on target to be operational on Tuesday 14 November
• Enrolment is supporting the recounts in Nelson, Mt Albert, and Tamaki Makaurau:
o Sue
in Nelson
o Michelle
and Sisela
in Mt Albert
o Fiona
and Ross McPherson in Tamaki Makaurau
IT
GENERAL UPDATE:
• Port Waikato By-election – EMS (Election Management System) Systems Release Implemented
successfully on 9/11 included 9 stories (changes) required for the By-election and 5 for the General
Election E9.
Comms &
GENERAL UPDATE:
Education
• A number of interviews have been given by the Chief Electoral Officer and Acting Board Chair following
the release of amended official results, including Newstalk ZB and Checkpoint yesterday and Breakfast
and AM show this morning.
• A media release on ‘Port Waikato voting starting Monday’ is ready to go out today. This media release
includes messages about EasyVote and key election dates.
• Key messages for staff working for the PW by-election and use tools provided to manage difficult
situation e.g de-escalation process
Customer
GENERAL UPDATE:
Services
• The nature of enquiries has changed with sentiment moving to electoral integrity, in a tone of
anger/disappointment. There has been more support for the team as it is becoming tough to deal with
a stream of negative contacts.
Legal & Policy
GENERAL UPDATE
• Ongoing preparations for the recounts. Natalie and Kristina will be travelling to Auckland on Sunday
morning.
• Once the count judgement is released the Commission can publish a media notice linking to the
judgement. A Gazette notice of any amended result must then be published by the Commission
Strategic
GENERAL UPDATE
Engagement
• Some negative commentary toward staff regarding media coverage. Reassessing activities planned for
and
the weekend to ensure safety.
Partnership
• Shane to discuss with Sarah re security and safety for staff working with communities.
Security
GENERAL UPDATE
• All overseas ballots for Auckland recounts delivered to Tamaki Makaurau and Mt Albert HQs yesterday
• Guards at all Voting Places in Port Waikato.
People &
GENERAL UPDATE:
Culture
• Nothing to report
• Some hours reported as unpaid. Investigation in progress.
