Strong turn out for candidate information sessions on local body elections

Candidate information meetings that were held across the Coromandel were well attended by those interested in finding out what it takes to stand for office in the up-coming local body elections.

Forty-seven members of the public attended one of the five meetings held in Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Tairua and Whangamata last Saturday and Sunday.

Candidate packs which includes an easy-to-read guide on the election rules, more about workloads and responsibilities of the roles on offer and the Council's official pre-election report were handed out.

Nomination forms were also in demand many taking more than one. The candidate packs and nomination forms are still available from all our Council service centres or download here

Dale Ofsoske, is our Council's independent electoral officer, with more than 30-years' experience in managing local body elections

"I was really impressed with the turnout and the fact that we have heard that the candidate information meetings were a useful and valuable way to convey election rules in particular," says Mr Ofsoske.

Meanwhile our Council staff will continue to be available by phone and email for the duration of the nomination period to any prospective candidates and for follow up questions. 07 868 0200 or email them here.

Nominations close at noon on Friday 12 August.

"One of the points we really tried to get across at the meetings is not to wait until the last minute to get nominations in," says Mr Ofsoske. "The nomination forms need very specific information and must be correct by the deadline or it can't be accepted."

Meanwhile Council staff is available to assist with checking the information and providing guidance on the requirements - so do call into one of our service centres and get help sooner than later.

If you're thinking of posting your nomination then we suggest you use a tracked courier to be sure it arrives with time to spare.

ends

© Scoop Media