The government is removing the requirement to list a physical address on campaign advertising, ahead of this year's local government elections.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Canidates for council are required to list a physical address on billboards, flyers and other advertising, and for many this is a home address.
In a statement this morning, Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said this requirement would be changed, so they could instead use a wider range of options including an email address, a P.O. Box, a telephone number or a website URL.
She said this was because of growing concerns that candidates who publicised their home address were facing risks to their physical safety, particularly for women and visible minorities.
The intention of listing an address was to promote transparency, she said, "not dissuade people from putting their hands up to represent their local communities".
"Changing the address requirement will create a safer local electoral environment that supports diverse candidacy, and better protects candidates of all backgrounds from harassment," she said.
"This change was recommended by and supported by Local Government NZ and will bring certainty to campaigning rules for the upcoming local body elections."
A bill to amend the Electoral Act will be introduced to Parliament soon, with the aim of having it pass before candidate nominations begin on 15 July.