LOCAL ELECTIONS

Associate Local Government Minister and Minister for Women, Louise Upston, is calling for women to put their names forward for this year’s local authority elections. ‘‘Local government and local democracy can only work when everyone’s voice can be heard. Diversity in governance is strongly linked to better performance,’’ Ms Upston says. Nominations opened last week for district, city and regional councils, local and community boards, licensing trusts, and district health boards. Electoral officers are accepting candidate nominations now until 12pm on August 12. For more details about how to stand as a candidate visit: http://www.lgnz.co.nz/assets/ Publications/making-a-standmade-easy.pdf.