27 May 2016

Stepping up for Vote2016

All of Hawke’s Bay councils – Hawke’s Bay Regional, Central Hawke’s Bay District, Wairoa District, Hastings District and Napier City – plus the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board are working together to support the Vote2016 campaign in Hawke’s Bay.

LGNZ recently announced the launch of Vote2016 campaign, which aims to lift nationwide voter turnout in local elections to more than 50 per cent – a first since the 1980s.

Local leaders are encouraged to start thinking about standing in the upcoming local government elections.

Standing as a councillor or health board member is an opportunity for people with leadership skills to represent their communities and have a say on issues that affect their community.

Nominations for local and regional council and district health board candidates will be open from 15 July and Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is encouraging people to come forward early.

People considering standing for election are welcome to contact local council Electoral Officers for information or, for the DHB, the Deputy Electoral Officer at Napier City Council.

In June Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and most councils will be holding candidate information meetings or ‘drop ins’ to outline the election process and answer questions. Candidate handbooks will also be available from Electoral Officers and online as well as at www.vote2016.co.nz.

The Vote2016 campaign will showcase the value local government provides to communities across the country, with a strong focus on inspiring more New Zealanders to vote, and building a pool of skilled candidates to stand in their communities.

“We want potential candidates to start thinking about their future in local government now, so they have all the support and information they need ahead of the election,” says LGNZ Chief Executive, Malcolm Alexander.

“Ensuring elected representatives have the abilities, diversity of skills and training to respond to major community issues is an important part of a successful election process. We also hope that a pool of competent and passionate candidates will drive even more citizens to vote this year,” he says.

ENDS

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