Thursday 23 June 2016

Information session for local government election candidates in Horowhenua

If you have thought about local politics and having a say in the future of Horowhenua, then find out more about standing as a candidate to become a Foxton Community Board member, a Horowhenua District councillor or even District Mayor.

Council will hold an information session, from 12 noon to 1.30pm next Wednesday 29 June, for prospective candidates ahead of this year’s local government elections in October.

Horowhenua Deputy Electoral Officer Ian Tate says this is an opportunity for people interested in standing in the 2016 elections to learn more about the nomination and election processes and the roles of councils and elected members, as well as a chance to have any questions answered.

“We encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in the local community to stand. After all, local government and local democracy are fundamental to our community and provide the opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard. The mayor and councillors are elected to be community leaders and to represent the views and interests of all citizens,” Mr Tate said.

The information session will cover four key areas:

· An overview of how Council functions and strategic goals

· Elections 2016 in-depth Information about the rules and regulations for the election process

· A Day in the Life - hear from a former councillor

· Questions and Answers

All attendees will be provided with a candidate handbook and refreshments.

“We need a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to represent the diversity of our community,” Mr Tate said.

“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.”

Nominations for candidates open on Friday 15 July 2016 and close on Friday 12 August 2016. Voting papers will be sent out from 16 September 2016 and must be received by the electoral officer by noon on Election Day, 8 October 2016.

The local government sector plays an important role. In addition to giving citizens a say in how their communities are run, councils own a broad range of community assets worth more than $120 billion. These include 90 per cent of New Zealand's road network, the bulk of the country's water and wastewater networks, and libraries, recreation and community facilities. Nationwide, council expenditure is approximately $8.5 billion dollars, representing approximately four per cent of Gross Domestic Product and 11 per cent of all public expenditure.

If you would like to attend or find out more about next Wednesday’s information session please RSVP to Sue Hori Te Pa on suehtp@horowhenua.govt.nz or 06 366 0999.

ENDS

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