From NZ Herald · · 2m
Nurses Union Questions Middlemore Hospital Voting Booth
Nurses demand explanation for Middlemore Hospital's lack of on-site voting booth ahead of 2026 election.
In brief
Nurses demand explanation for Middlemore Hospital's lack of on-site voting booth ahead of 2026 election. New Zealand Nurses' Organisation asks Electoral Commission why Middlemore Hospital has no polling booth despite other Auckland hospitals having them. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Nurses Union Concern
New Zealand Nurses' Organisation wants Electoral Commission to explain why Middlemore Hospital lacks on-site voting booth.
Nearest Polling Station
Nearest polling station to Middlemore is at De La Salle College, 450m from hospital entrance.
Other Hospitals Have Booths
Auckland City, North Shore and Waitākere hospitals have polling booths on-site.
ASMS and NZRDA Response
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists said no concerns raised; New Zealand Resident Doctors' Association didn't respond.
Nurse Concerns
Nurses worry patients may spend days or weeks at hospital without accessible voting option.
Beks Kelsey's Statement
Beks Kelsey noted Auckland City Hospital has daily voting booth open for 12 hours with extended hours on election day.
Voting Access Issues
Patients need to know where to vote while in hospital; staff question why no on-site booth exists.
Electoral Commission Response
Electoral Commission works with hospitals to arrange voting services based on space and safety.
Current Voting Service
Mobile voting service available today for patients; special takeaway votes for those in hospital over four days.
Limited Service Concerns
Mobile service only available 12:30pm-7pm Thursday; staff worried it doesn't match physical booth flexibility.
Electoral Commission Decision
Commission didn't explain why Middlemore Hospital lacks on-site voting booth despite other hospitals having them.
Nurse Plan
Most nurses plan to vote on their rostered days off due to lack of accessible voting option.
Key Question
Why does Middlemore Hospital lack on-site voting booth when other Auckland hospitals have them?
Electoral Commission Timeline
Electoral Commission working with hospital to identify patients in hospital over four days for special voting.
Voting Service Limitations
Mobile service doesn't cover staff and whānau; limited flexibility compared to physical polling booth.
Next Steps
Nurses seek explanation for lack of on-site voting booth ahead of 2026 election.
Here's the gist
New Zealand Nurses' Organisation asks Electoral Commission why Middlemore Hospital has no polling booth despite other Auckland hospitals having them.
