Local authority election nominations open tomorrow

ROTORUA 18.07.13: Nominations open tomorrow [19 July] for the publicly elected positions of mayor, district councillor, community board member, regional councillor and district health board for this year’s local authority elections.
Rotorua District Council Corporate & Customer Services group manager Jean-Paul Gaston said standing for election provides an opportunity for people to potentially make a real difference in shaping the future of Rotorua.

“These elections are about local people playing a direct role in decision-making for the future of our local community. Standing as a candidate for council or one of the other positions is a prime way of being actively involved in determining that future.

“Democracy is best served when there’s a good number of people standing for positions because it gives voters plenty of choice. So we encourage people to think seriously about putting their hand up for a three year term on the district or regional councils, or district health board."

Anyone interested in standing for election can pick up a candidate information pack from the council and these include nominations forms and candidates' handbooks. Packs are available from the RDC website, rdc.govt.nz, or from the Rotorua District Council Civic Centre on Haupapa Street.

An election information evening is being held for people interested in standing for Rotorua District Council positions on Monday 22 July at 7pm at the Civic Centre. Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp will be on hand at the meeting to explain election processes, legal requirements, timeframes, election advertising rules, how to make a nomination and what commitment might be expected of elected members.

Nominations for all positions up for election this year close at 12 noon on Friday 16 August.

Voting papers for the postal vote will start being dispatched by mail to enrolled voters from 20 September and preliminary results are expected to be announced on the afternoon of 12 October.

ends

© Scoop Media