NEWS RELEASE

14 July 2016

Declare your love for Wellington! Election nominations open

If you are passionate about the Capital City, then declare your love: stand for the upcoming local elections.Nominations open tomorrow (Friday 15 July).

Wellington City Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp says it’s time to translate your vision for the city into action. “If you want to make the city stronger, grow the economy, and improve residents’ quality of life, you should consider standing as a candidate in this year’s election. We’re seeking candidates over 18, of all ethnicities and backgrounds.”

Nominations for Wellington City Council are open for the positions of mayor, councillor, and Tawa or Makara-Ohariu Community Board member. Nominations are also open for the Capital & Coast District Health Board, Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust.

To find out about the role of the City Council and what it’s like to be a councillor, come along to a candidate information session on Tuesday 19 July.

“The workshop will discuss what makes up a day in the life of the Council and councillors. Candidates will learn more about local government’s function, and the rules for standing and campaigning for election,” says Mr Lampp.

The workshop will be held in Committee Room 1 on the ground floor of the City Council offices at 101 Wakefield Street, at 5.30pm on Tuesday 19 July. No pre-registration is required and prospective candidates can just turn up on the day.

Nominations close at noon on Friday 12 August, so prospective candidates are being urged to not leave it until the last minute.

Quick checklist for prospective candidates:

• To be eligible to stand, prospective nominees must be New Zealand citizens, over 18 years of age and on the electoral roll.
•
• Candidates don’t have to live in the area in which they want to stand (except for the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust).
•
• A candidate cannot nominate themselves. Two people who are enrolled in the area or ward they want to stand in must nominate them.
•
• A nomination deposit of $200 is payable for each position candidates wish to contest.

The preliminary electoral roll of electors will be available for inspection from today. It’s held by the Electoral Officer on the ground floor of the Council offices at 101 Wakefield Street and is also available at all city libraries. The roll will remain open until 5pm Friday 12 August.

Wellingtonians are also being reminded that they must be enrolled to vote in the elections. “It’s a good time to check if you are enrolled. Enrolment and updating details are easy and can be done online on http://www.elections.org.nz,” says Mr Lampp.

If you’re not enrolled, you have to do so by 5pm on Friday 12 August to receive a postal vote. If you enrol after this date you will have to contact the Electoral Officer to obtain a special vote. Voting will take place between 16 September and 8 October.

More information about the elections is available on the Council’s website – www.wellington.govt.nz/elections

ends

© Scoop Media