Time to choose your representatives

Voting papers began arriving in New Plymouth letterboxes last Friday.

Papers are being sent to everyone on the electoral roll until Wednesday and voters have until midday on Saturday, 8 October to get them to the returning officer.

‘‘Local government plays an important role in our communities and elections give individuals the opportunity to help shape the place they live,’’ New Plymouth District Council group manager strategy, Liam Hodgetts, said.

‘‘Anyone who is posting their voting papers back should get them in the mail by Tuesday 4 October to make sure they reach the Electoral Officer in Auckland on time.

‘‘Voting papers can also be hand-delivered to the Civic Centre on Liardet Street or a library and service centre in Waitara, Bell Block and Inglewood up to the midday deadline on 8 October.’’

Voting for New Plymouth District Mayor, Councillors of New Plymouth district and Taranaki regional councils and members of the Inglewood and Waitara community boards is by first-past-thepost, with preferred candidates being ticked.

Voting for Taranaki District Health Board members is by single transferable vote, with candidates ranked in preference).

Special votes are also available for people who are eligible to vote but their name does not appear on the electoral roll, have their name on the unpublished roll, or who did not receive their voting papers in the post.

To arrange a special vote, phone 0800 922 822.

❚ There is no election for Kaitake Community Board as the number of candidates equalled the number of available seats. The two candidates for Clifton Community Board are automatically elected, and a by-election will be held to fill the two remaining seats. Meanwhile, New Plymouth’s current deputy mayor has ruled out a ’’two for one’’ deal in the forthcoming mayoral election, saying she will not name her right-hand man, or woman, until after the votes are counted.

Heather Dodunski said she and others standing in next month’s ballot had been challenged to reveal who they would appoint but that wasn’t how she wanted to lead.

‘‘I’m really keen to be an inclusive leader and how can you do that when from the outset you’re excluding people from being considered?’’

Only one of the five mayoral candidates, Richard Handley, has so far announced a deputy, present councillor Roy Weaver. Handley said it was about giving voters more information.

Candidates: Tell us 50 words what qualifies you to be a good representative. Send with photo to kath.brown@fairfaxmedia.co.nz

REX HENDRY, TRC, Our lifestyle and our economy in Taranaki are dependent on maintaining the quality of our environment. Backed by a mountain of experience in environmental management and strategic development, in a wide range of regional and national...

BRIEN BENNETT, TDHB. As a semiretired chartered accountant, I believe that my wide experience in senior management and administrative roles over many years, gives me the background and knowledge to be able to contribute significantly and effectively to...

LANCE GIRLING-BUTCHER, NPDC. I am a 73-year-old former two-term councilor seeking re-election after three years away working for the blind, the disabled and seniors. A 50-year career as a journalist in Taranaki gives me a deep knowledge of Taranaki...

LYN HUMPHREYS, TDHB. I’m a born and bred Taranaki kid with a deep love for this province. I am passionate about all matters to do with health. I am now keen to represent my community and put to good use the many years of knowledge gleaned as a health...