With the national election shaping up as what some have dubbed the “battle of the Chrises”, the political contest is attracting plenty of attention – but here in Ōpōtiki, the focus is on making sure everyone gets the chance to have their say.

From the Ōpōtiki RSA to Te Ao Hou Trust, local people are pitching in to help make democracy happen, with voting stations open and community initiatives encouraging people, particularly younger voters, to take part.

At the Ōpōtiki RSA on Monday, Peter Irving took time out from his usual RSA duties to don an orange Electoral Commission vest and help voters cast their ballots.

Irving said it was his first time helping at a voting station and he had been pleased with the response.

“There has been a steady stream of cheerful voters. It is great to see so many people getting involved, especially a lot of younger people, which is great.

“It is really important that people vote and have their say.”

Irving said he liked to use an analogy to explain why every vote mattered.

“I liken it to a bus heading off a cliff with 10 people on board. Three people vote to hit the brakes, two vote to keep going and five don’t vote at all. Well, the bus is going over the cliff.”

The RSA voting station will continue operating until tomorrow, with voters also able to cast their ballots at Ōpōtiki College or the Senior Citizens Hall on Saturday, election day.

Meanwhile, Te Ao Hou Trust is bringing its own kaupapa to the election, hosting Ōpōtiki’s first Whare Pōti Māori for the 2026 General Election.

Trust staff are also putting on their Electoral Commission vests and opening the voting station at 3pm to help people make their choice and take part in the democratic process.

The initiative also provides an opportunity for whānau and rangatahi to become more familiar with the voting process.

The kaupapa began with an opening event at 40 King Street on Tuesday, October 27, and has continued with afternoon sessions throughout the week.

Te Ao Hou’s message is simple: “He reo tō tēnā, he whakaaro tō tēnā” – everyone has a voice and an opinion.

For those voting for the first time, or simply wanting to know more about the process, the Whare Pōti Māori offers a welcoming and bilingual space to ask questions and become involved.

With voting closing at 7pm on Saturday, November 7, there is still time for Ōpōtiki voters to have their say because democracy works best when more people take part.