Week Left for Regional Council Nominations

Would-be Northland Regional Council members have just one week left (subs: until noon on Friday 20 August) to get their nominations in if they wish to stand as a candidate in the 09 October local authority elections.

Regional Council Electoral Officer Linda Stansfield says as of today (subs: Fri 13 August), Regional Council nominations had been received from 13 people, including four sitting Councillors.

However, she says that legally all nomination forms must be in her hands by noon on Friday 20 August and warns would-be candidates they would be wise not to leave delivering their applications until the 11th hour.

“If there is any sort of problem with a nomination form that can’t be rectified by noon on the 20th, then legally that candidate’s nomination is declared invalid. The same applies to payment of the $200 nomination fee, which must also have been paid by noon. It’s best for all concerned that people get their nominations – and their fees - into us in plenty of time.”

Ms Stansfield says anyone over the age of 18 can stand for election as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the electoral roll. Four Regional Councillors are required for the Whangarei District Constituency, three from the Far North, and one for the Kaipara Constituency. Nomination forms and candidate information booklets are available from any Northland Regional Council office. Copies can also be obtained by phoning (0800) 002 004 or downloaded from the Council’s website via www.nrc.govt.nz/elections

Voting papers will be sent out from 17 September 2010 and must be returned by midday on Election Day, 09 October 2010.

For further information on standing as a candidate for the Northland Regional Council visit www.nrc.govt.nz/elections or contact Ms Stansfield directly on (0800) 002 004. ENDS

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