Wednesday 20 July 2016

Nominations open for local council elections

If you see yourself as a potential leader and are passionate about Horowhenua then now’s your chance to give local politics a go and have a say in your community’s future.

Nominations for candidates wishing to stand in this year’s local council elections are open.

Deputy Electoral Officer Ian Tate says anyone wishing to stand as a candidate for Horowhenua District Council or the Foxton Community Board should submit their nominations now.

Nominations close at noon on Friday 12 August.

“We are encouraging anyone who wants to make a difference in the local community to stand,” Mr Tate said.

“Local government and local democracy are fundamental to our society, giving the opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard. Mayors, councillors and community board members exercise a leadership role in our towns, cities and regions and represent the views of the community.

“We need a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to ensure our council represents the diversity of our community. 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.”

A candidate information session will be held on Tuesday 26 July at 7.00pm in Chambers at Council, 126 Oxford Street, Levin. It is open to anyone considering standing for Horowhenua District Council or the Foxton Community Board in the local elections.

The session will cover local government and being an elected member, the roles that will be the subject of the election, qualification rules, nomination process, general rules about candidate campaigning during the election, donations and expenses, and the time commitment that can be required from an elected member.

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

The national 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.

Voting papers will be sent out from 16 September 2016 and must be received by the council before midday on Election Day, 8 October 2016.

For further information on standing as a candidate visit www.horowhenua.govt.nz or www.vote2016.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media