Election begins for candidates

Nominations opened on Friday for candidates to officially enter the race to claim a council seat, and/or the mayoral chains.

But no candidates came forward on the first day in Porirua.

Local Government Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga has urged voters to take their election duties seriously, saying there is a lot at stake.

Councils managed more than $96 billion in assets, and contributed more than $8 billion to New Zealand’s GDP each year, he said

‘‘Effective leadership means working hard and being a good listener, communicator, and collective decision-maker. There are many people in our communities with these qualities.’’

The communicators weren’t breaking down council doors around the region as Friday dragged on.

By mid-afternoon, there were no nominations at Greater Wellington Regional Council, and only a few forms had been picked up from Kapiti Coast District Council.

No nominations, either, at Carterton District Council or Porirua City Council.

The nomination period for candidates runs from Friday till midday August 12.

Prospective nominees must be New Zealand citizens, over 18 years of age and on the electoral roll.