From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 10s
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Election?
New Zealand's 2026 election costs $180m to run, with key challenges in voter outreach.
In brief
New Zealand's 2026 election costs $180m to run, with key challenges in voter outreach. New Zealand's 2026 election will cost $180 million to run, with challenges in modernizing voter outreach. Originally reported by RNZ.
Election Cost Estimate
This year's election will cost about $180 million to run.
Key Cost Breakdown
The Electoral Commission budgeted $94.7m for staff, $17.9m for communications, $11.6m for IT, $3.1m for travel, $23.1m for property, and $25.5m for printing and post.
Temporary Staff and Locations
The election requires 22,000 temporary staff and 2,321 voting places.
Andrew Geddis on Funding
University of Otago professor Andrew Geddis said the Electoral Commission must request funding from the Minister of Justice to run the election.
Postal Service Challenges
The Electoral Commission faces issues with the postal service falling apart and outdated voter addresses.
Lara Greaves on Demographics
Victoria University professor Lara Greaves said the system needs more investment for diverse populations and updated voter data.
Future Funding Concerns
The Electoral Commission must increase funding with inflation and address digital roll updates to prevent democracy erosion.
The one thing
New Zealand's 2026 election will cost $180 million to run, with challenges in modernizing voter outreach.
