The Government is scrapping plans that would allow 16-year olds to vote in local elections

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says they will not be entertaining the previous Government's voting age bill - calling it a costly distraction.

This is despite a recommendation from the Independent Electoral Review that the voting age should be lowered.

Political commentator Grant Duncan says it's clear they believe it will put them at an electoral disadvantage.

He says a conservative government will can this idea because they know perfectly well people of the ages 16 and 17 are much less likely to vote for their parties.