While some of New Zealand’s biggest cities struggled to bring voters to the ballot box, the Wairarapa has shown what true community engagement looks like. South Wairarapa District Council recorded one of the nation’s highest voter turnouts at 59 per cent — well above the national average of 39 per cent.

It was the district’s best result in more than six years. Across the wider region, Tararua reached 55 per cent, Carterton 53 per cent, and Masterton 47 per cent — all performing better than the country as a whole. The numbers paint a picture of smaller communities leading the way in civic participation, while some of the country’s larger cities fell behind. Auckland managed only 29 per cent, Hamilton 33 per cent, and Waikato 35 per cent.

South Wairarapa mayor Fran Wilde said her district’s voters could be proud of their turnout, which reversed years of decline. Wilde, well known in Wellington for her “Wilde About Wellington” campaign and for launching the “Absolutely Positively Wellington” movement, understands the power of civic enthusiasm. She said the high turnout reflected both local frustration and a hunger for change.

“People wanted change at council level,” she said. “In small communities it’s easier to use word of mouth to motivate people to vote, and I know there was concern about the trajectory of the vote in recent years.”

Wilde added that strong competition for the mayoralty and council seats, along with visible, active campaigns, helped energise the electorate. “We had passionate candidates and plenty of conversation across the district — people genuinely cared.”

Carterton mayor Steve Cretney said he was proud of his district’s engagement. “Even though numbers were slightly down on previous years, our turnout was still well above the national average,” he said. “It’s vital that residents keep participating so their voices continue to shape the community’s direction.”

Masterton mayor Bex Johnson agreed, saying the turnout reflected hard work by candidates and organisers. “Local government has such a tangible impact on our communities — often more than central government. The more people who vote, the clearer picture we get of what matters most.”

Local Government New Zealand also highlighted a shift in how people vote. Nearly 15 per cent of ballots were cast on election day itself — helped by more than 1500 orange drop-off bins across the country. Interim chief executive Scott Necklen said the added convenience encouraged more last-minute voters.

For Wellington, the message from over the hill is clear. While the capital has long prided itself on civic participation, its own turnout at the last local elections sat at just 43 per cent — below all four Wairarapa councils. The contrast is striking, especially given Wellington’s proud history of local engagement.

Under Fran Wilde’s leadership in the 1990s, “Absolutely Positively Wellington” became more than a slogan; it was a mindset that encouraged residents to believe in their city and get involved. That same sense of connection is what’s driving the Wairarapa’s current success story.

As the capital prepares for its next round of local elections, the challenge is to reconnect voters with that spirit. Wairarapa has shown that when people feel their voices matter, they show up. Perhaps it’s time for Wellingtonians to rediscover that same energy — and once again become absolutely positive about their democracy.