Ham East candidates step up their campaigns

Hamilton’s next city councillor will not be required to have any tertiary qualifications.

They will, however, be required to make million-dollar decisions that will impact the city and its residents.

To put their name forward for the available seat on council, the

15 candidates of the Hamilton East by-election must only have been a New Zealand citizen by birth or naturalisation ceremony, a parliamentary elector anywhere in New Zealand, and nominated by two electors of the East Ward.

The position comes with a

$71,638 pay packet.

The East Ward seat became vacant after councillor Philip Yeung died last year.

The by-election will be held on Saturday, February 17, with the postal voting period opening tomorrow – Friday, January 26.

Candidate profiles submitted for this story show the rates increase, environment, social wellbeing, maintenance of assets and making Hamilton a great place to raise a family were among the top priorities for the would-be councillors.

Caring for senior citizens and improvements to governance were also listed.

Candidate placards started appearing early in the New Year and are spread across Hamilton East.

The signs can remain until midnight on the eve of the election. Candidates are limited to how much they can spend on selfpromotion. Their total campaign expenditure must not exceed $50,000.

Expenditure includes money spent on advertising, broadcasting or communicating material to the public – electronically or otherwise. These expenses are funded by the candidate and are not reimbursable from council.

Candidates must also contribute a $200 nomination deposit, and the candidates who poll greater than 25 per cent of the successful candidate in the byelection will be eligible for refund of this deposit.

And if a candidate interferes in any way with an elector with the intention of influencing or advising that elector as to how they should vote, they could be hit with a $5000 fine if convicted.

This story has been updated since the original version was published. Profiles from candidates Chris Rollitt and Robert Curtis were not received at time of print.

The rates increase, environment, social wellbeing, maintenance of assets and making Hamilton a great place to raise a family were among the top priorities.