7 August 2013

Wellingtonians: the elections clock is ticking

The race to the Mayoralty and other city council positions in the local elections is always hotly contested, but there’s also a race against the clock for candidates to get their nominations in on time, before next Friday (16 August).

Prospective candidates have just over a week to lodge their nominations – nominations close at noon on 16 August.

Wellington City Electoral Officer Charlie Inggs says his team is expecting a flurry of last-minute nominations.

“In the past people have been able to provide us with some details over a period of time, but this year candidates have to give us all their nomination information at the same time. That means it takes a bit longer to get everything collated and we’re seeing slighter later nominations.”

“However, we want to get the message out – don’t leave it until the last minute,” says Charlie.

Nominations received so far (in alphabetical order) are:

Sridhar Ekambaram (Onslow-Western Ward)

Christine Grace (Makara/Ohariu Community Board)

Graeme Hansen (Tawa Community Board)

Sue Kedgley (Capital & Coast District Health Board)

Nick Leggett (Capital & Coast District Health Board)

Justin Lester (Northern Ward)

Margaret Lucas (Tawa Community Board)

Graham McCready (Eastern Ward)

Mark Peck (Lambton Ward)

Hayley Robinson (Onslow-Western Ward)

Nicola Young (Mayor and Lambton Ward)

At the equivalent point in 2010, 13 nominations had been received for the various Wellington City Council positions out of an eventual total of 61, and one nomination had been received for the Capital & Coast District Health Board out of an eventual total of 21.

The Wellington City Electoral Officer handles nominations for Mayor, City Councillor, Tawa Community Board, Makara-Ohariu Community Board and on an agency basis for Capital & Coast District Health Board.

Friday 16 August is also the final day for people to enrol, if they want to ensure they’ll receive their voting papers by post. If you’re not enrolled by 5pm that day, you’ll have to contact the Electoral Officer to obtain special voting papers when voting begins.

The Electoral Commission has advised that around 5000 names were removed prior to the compilation of the preliminary roll, because people have moved house and not updated their address details. If you want to check you’re on the preliminary roll of electors, visit your local library or the Council offices on Wakefield Street before 5pm next Friday.

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