One of our greatest nanny influencers of all time was the late Nanny Waa Harris. Whenever any kind of election came around, she would be the one encouraging everyone to ‘vote and have your say, otherwise don’t complain’. Like many of our nanny influencers, she taught her children well and she also taught her mokopuna to stand up and make their voice count. Whether it be for a change or to stand up for what you know is right, Nanny Waa Harris always voted to make it count and be a voice for the whānau.

With the current elections in place, every eligible voter should have received their voting forms by now and should have opened the envelope, read the candidate profiles, and voted for the person or persons you desire then sealed it in the reply post envelope provided, then post it. It’s all quite simple. Find your package, follow the instructions then post. Voting closes on the 8th of October at midday, which means that you need to post your election paper no later than the 5th of October for it to be counted.

In some parts of New Zealand, local elections are also held for local and community boards, licensing trusts, and some other organisations. The people elected to local councils get to make decisions about our daily lives and the future of our towns and cities. They set and collect rates, oversee town planning, and provide services like rubbish collection, parks, and libraries.

Please follow the advice of our late Nanny Waa Harris. "Get out and have your vote". "Do the right thing and vote" "Help to make a change, to be an influencer, to be a voice for the whānau".