Twenty one people have put their hands up to stand as a candidate in the Stratford District Council elections this October.

This is a record high number for nominations through Council since the existence of the urban and rural wards in 2007.

When the deadline for nominations passed at midday Friday 16 August 2019 there were:

• 3 nominations for Mayor
• 7 nominations for Rural Ward Councillors
• 13 nominations for Urban Ward Councillors
• 1 nomination for Stratford Constituency on Taranaki Regional Council
• 1 nomination for Taranaki District Health Board

Stratford District Council Chief Executive Sven Hanne says he was excited to see the level of interest from the community raise significantly throughout the nomination period.

“We challenged the district to stand up, and it seems it has worked,” said Mr Hanne. “It’s great to know our community will get a choice when it comes to voting time.”

In comparison, the 2016 elections had:• 1 nomination for Mayor• 5 nominations for Rural Ward Councillors• 10 nominations for Urban Ward Councillors
Community members will have the opportunity to meet candidates at an event on Wednesday 18 September at 7pm in the TSB Chambers of the Stratford War Memorial Hall. This ‘Meet the Candidates’ evening is being hosted by Stratford Press in association with the Stratford District Council.

View the full list here: stratford.govt.nz/council/your-council/electoral-info/candidates-standing-for-election