23 July 2013

Strong interest in council candidates' evening

Rotorua District Council (RDC) can expect a flurry of nominations for this year’s local authority elections if attendance at a candidates’ information evening last night [this week] is anything to go by.

The public meeting, for people considering standing for council positions in the elections, attracted around forty people to the council Civic Centre on Monday night.

RDC electoral Officer Warwick Lampp talked about the nomination process and explained legal obligations for candidates He also covered campaign advertising expenditure limits and gave examples of typical time commitments needed for the positions of mayor, councillor or Lakes Community Board member.

RDC corporate and customer services group manager Jean-Paul Gaston said some of the people attending were clearly considering standing for office and a number asked questions.

“Hopefully the information evening will have helped clarify points that will assist them in making their decision whether or not to stand.

“Nominations have opened now and people interested in putting their hand up for a council position have until 12 noon on Friday 16 August to get their completed nomination forms in. Candidate information packs can be picked up from the council Customer Centre or accessed online through the RDC website www.rdc.govt.nz.

“In the meantime anyone can follow the names of confirmed candidates on the council website. As nominations are received and processed by our electoral officer, they will be listed on the RDC website which will be updated daily,” said Mr Gaston.

In addition to seats on Rotorua District Council, the 2013 local authority election will include regional council and district health board positions.

Mr Gaston said the election will be conducted by postal vote and voting papers will be posted to people on the electoral roll between 20 and 25 September.

Progress results from the election were expected to be announced later in the afternoon of Saturday 12 October, and posted on the council website.

ENDS

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