Strong Turn-Out Of Local Authority Candidates Sought

Acting Local Government Minister Tariana Turia hopes there will be a strong turn-out of candidates for this year's local authority elections when the month-long nomination period begins tomorrow (eds: 27 July-noon on 24 August).

Mrs Turia said the 2001 elections would take place for all local authorities--councils, regional councils and community boards--and for elected representatives on district health boards, with the poll closing at noon on Saturday 13 October.

"I know that some decisions made by councils, community boards or district health boards often have more impact on daily life than many central government decisions. Because our communities are so diverse, it is important that all the voices within each community are heard when their decision-makers gather."

Mrs Turia said she would like to see more candidates from the aged, the young, Maori, Pacific Islanders and other ethnic groups, as well as more disabled people seeking election this year.

The Minister said all candidates should be enrolled, and she cautioned that the new Local Electoral Act set new limits on campaign spending.

"Sandra Lee and I will be launching an Electoral Enrolment Centre campaign next week," Mrs Turia said. (eds: Thursday 2 August--see attached media alert) "Details of spending limits can be obtained from your local authority," she added.

The Minister said the Review of the Local Government Act had set out an exciting future for the shape of local democracy in future. The Review is currently under public consultation, with submissions closing on 30 August.

"The Labour-Alliance coalition is committed to putting the local back into local government, but no system can guarantee diversity of representation without members of the community putting themselves forward," she said.

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