Nominations urgently needed for Trustee Elections

Nominations urgently needed for Trustee Elections

Some schools throughout New Zealand may be facing a tough time attracting enough people to stand for the School Trustee Elections, according to campaign organisers.

There is just over a week to go until nominations close and Elections Project Manager Janet Kelly says there are indications some of the country’s 2,580 schools may be having a difficult time.

The School Trustee Elections is New Zealand’s largest democratic event and involves finding more than 13,000 parent-elected representatives. Nominations opened on March 5 and close next Friday March 19.

Janet Kelly says initial signs showed people were eager to stand but now these people need to act before it is too late. “There was a really strong display of support prior to the nominations opening, but that appears to have tapered off. We do know that it’s natural to leave things until the last minute but we really do need people considering putting their names forward to follow through.”

Schools that fail to form a board may have to be run by an appointed commissioner.

Janet Kelly says New Zealanders have a unique opportunity in being able to stand for trusteeship and any interested member of the community is eligible to stand.

“It’s not only parents of school children who can have a say in education. Grandparents, aunties, uncles or people who are simply passionate about education can stand for trusteeship.

“Many countries don’t give their communities this chance to directly influence the direction of their school, and New Zealand communities need to make the most of this opportunity.

Now is the time for all those that have expressed an interest in becoming a trustee to make sure that their nomination form is completed and returned to the school office by March 19.

Election polls close on April 2.

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