Four weeks to get Council nominations in

Nominations for the vacant Hastings District Council seat are open for four weeks from tomorrow (January 16).

The Hastings-Havelock North ward seat become vacant when then-councillor Sandra Hazlehurst was elected as Hastings mayor in November.

Nominations close on February 13, with postal voting closing at noon on Wednesday, April 11. Preliminary results of the by-election are expected to be announced that afternoon with confirmed results scheduled to be available on Monday, April 16.

To assist people contemplating standing for election, there will be a candidates’ evening held next Tuesday [January 23], at 6.30pm, in the Council chambers.

The evening would provide potential candidates with a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities of councillors, which are focused on strategy and governance.

Councillors and the mayor formulate the strategic direction for the district, determine the services and activities that run by Council, determine the budget and spending, set and manage the regulations needed to keep the district running smoothly, advocate on behalf of the community with agencies including central Government and other local government authorities, and ensure the community knows how to be involved in the decision-making processes.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst encouraged people considering standing for the role to attend the information evening.

“We want to community members to be informed about the role and its responsibilities.

“I encourage people who want to have input into the future of our district and have the skills to work collaboratively with our team of councillors to put their hands up for this election.”

Hastings and Havelock North residents can prepare for the by-election from January 16 by checking that their details on the electoral roll are accurate. The roll closes on February 13.

Only those living and/or owning property in the Hastings-Havelock North Ward will receive voting papers.

Information on nominations and voting are available on the Hastings District Council website: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/our-council/elections/local-body-elections (This page will be active from 8am Tuesday, February 16)

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