No Meet the Candidates event has yet been confirmed for Ōpōtiki district in the prelude to this year’s Local Government Elections.

In previous elections, the Rotary Club of Ōpōtiki has organised events where candidates could introduce themselves to voters and answer questions about their qualifications and policies.

However, the Ōpōtiki branch of the club has closed down since the last election. Radio 1XX is advertising a live on-air Ōpōtiki Mayoral Debate on September 25 at 11.10am.

Ōpōtiki District Council’s deputy electoral officer Cindy Butt said the council had offered all candidates standing for council seats the opportunity to do a short video introducing themselves.

These would be made available on the council website alongside the candidate profiles as a way to increase voter engagement, help voters better understand the candidates, and drive voter turnout.

“This isn’t a replacement for candidate’s own campaign materials – we encourage candidates to use different opportunities to make themselves known to voters including their views, policies, and positions.”

The council would share the details of any other community-led events related to elections as long as they were open to all candidates and impartial.

Several events have been organised for Whakatāne and Kawerau districts, including one organised by Matatā Residents Association at the Matatā Rugby Club this Sunday, (August 31) at 2pm.

This will include the Eastern Bay and Kōhi Māori candidates for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which Ōpōtiki residents can vote for.

Anyone wishing to organise a Meet the Candidates event can apply to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council for costs associated with venue and equipment hire, tea and coffee facilities and advertising up to $500.

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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