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Entertainment | Elections

‘Rapping’ up the Local Body Elections

Today is national Vote Day meaning there is one week left until ballots close for the local body elections? Off-the-cuff rapper Tihei Harawira is spreading the word, in an effort to encourage youth participation.

Harawira’s advice directed at the voting youth of New Zealand from off-the-cuff rapper Tihei, son of Mana leader Hone Harawira.

Statistics by age group and ethnicity were unavailable for the 2013 local elections, but do the youth of 2016 plan to vote?

"Probably not because it doesn't really interest me,” says Johna Rawari.

"Um, I know there is a pamphlet with a little bit of their background and stuff but wasn't enough for me to vote, so I just made the decision not to vote,” says Ayoshe Rogers.

The youth here say they would rather forfeit their vote than support someone whom they cannot relate to.

Mayoral candidate Chloe Swarbrick says, "These people will make decisions that will affect your life, so basically I just want people to know that they have a voice and the system is going to happen regardless of whether you use it so you may as well have your input into it."

But what sort of leader do the youth want for their city?

"A person that knows and understand the people and the way of living. And wants to benefit everyone else, not just themselves,” says Tanielu Asomua.

"I think number one, communication between everybody from right up top right down to all of us,” says Francis Taimataora.

The last day to vote is October 8.