Pre-Election Workshops for New Candidates

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) is holding two information workshops for anyone thinking of standing in the October Local Authority Elections for either a Council or Community Board position.

The Taumarunui workshop is scheduled for Monday 4 July and the Ohakune workshop for Wednesday 6 July.

RDC Chief Executive Clive Manley said that the workshops are designed to ensure that anyone putting themselves up for election goes into it with their ‘eyes wide open’ as to what being an elected member involves.

“In an effort to encourage more people to get involved with the October local government elections Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is running a campaign called #Vote16NZ.”

“RDC has been supporting the campaign and would like anyone thinking about putting themselves up for election to attend one of the two workshops on what is involved in standing and being elected to local government.”

“The workshop will cover a range of key issues including; the nomination process, elected member requirements, standing for election, required skills and qualities, roles and training, time commitments and remuneration.”

“Significantly they will be tailored to Ruapehu District Council and our Community Boards and would be invaluable for anyone putting themselves up for election in October.”

“Newly successful elected members can sometimes get a ‘bit of a shock’ when they are confronted with the reality of how things work and what’s involved.”

“Council doesn’t want to deter anyone from standing for election but we do want successful candidates to be as best prepared as possible for the role they have been elected for.”

Mr. Manley said that having successfully functioning elected members was central to successful governance and community representation.

“The elected members have significant responsibility and influence and the decisions they make can have a larger impact on people’s day-to-day lives than central government in Wellington.”

“For most people in Ruapehu the roads they drive on, the water they drink, cook and wash with, their rubbish and recycling, sewerage and storm water, libraries, community halls, public swimming pools, parks and reserves and other services are all provided by Council with Community Board support,” he said.

“Anyone thinking of putting themselves forward for either a Council or Community Board position is encouraged to call their local Council office and register their interest in taking part in one of the pre-election workshops.”

“Nominations open for candidates on 15 July 2016.”

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