- Questions published
- Reply lodged
Asked by
Duncan Webb
Member for Christchurch Central · Labour Party
Questions
-
35246
How many occassions is the Electoral Commission aware of where an elector was moved to the dormant roll in accordance with legislative requirements because correspondence was returned to the Electoral Commission by New Zealand Post ‘Gone no address’ — notwithstanding the elector in fact still resided at the address?
-
35247
Does the Electoral Commission audit situations where letters are returned "gone no address" to ensure that there are no situations where the elector in fact still resides at the address, or that instances where this occurs are not a systemic problem with the Commission or New Zealand Post?
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice
Answer
I am advised that the Electoral Commission (the Commission) has limited experience of this; it is not usual for correspondence to be returned as ‘Gone no address’ where an elector still resides at the address. In 2025, the Commission were made aware of a situation where an elector was moved to the dormant roll in accordance with legislative requirements because correspondence was returned to us by New Zealand Post ‘Gone no address’ —notwithstanding the elector in fact still resided at the address. This elector got in touch with the Commission, and it was able to investigate, seek an explanation from New Zealand Post, and restore the elector to the main roll. The Commission is currently looking into another situation where the elector has contacted the Commission and are working with New Zealand Post to assist the elector.