Nominations open for local elections

Council chief calls on residents to join in process

Nominations are now open for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s mayor, councillor and community board seats in this year’s local body election.

Council chief executive John Holyoake encourages everyone to show their passion for the district by helping influence more positive change for our community — whether standing for council, encouraging someone to, or voting.

“We’re looking for new, diverse faces — age, culture, experience and skillsets — to be the positive change in our rohe.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live or what your background is — we’ve all got unique lived experiences that are the key to understanding the diverse needs of our district,” says John.

“Stand up and be the change we need.”

By standing for the council, candidates in this year’s local elections will have the potential to influence and inform decisions on the almost 40 different services it provides.

Not only that, but the role of each elected member — be it the mayor, councillors, or community board members — has a different set of responsibilities and requires a variety of skills and experience to help deliver real change for the community.

“If you’re unsure about whether standing is right for you, or you know someone you think would be a great candidate, we’d love to talk and answer any questions you have. You can get in touch by phoning 0800 926 732,” says John.

“Alternatively take a read of our comprehensive Candidate Handbook and All You Need to Know About Council Preelection Report to get a clear picture of the role council plays in the community and how you can be a part of this,” he says.

“You can pick one up at any of our library and services or online at generationchange. nz.”

■ Who is being elected? 1x mayor

3x Katikati-waih¯ı Beach ward councillors

4x Kaimai ward councillors 4x Maketu-te Puke ward councillors

4x Community Board members (Waih¯ı Beach, Katikati, O¯ mokoroa, Te Puke, Maketu)

Nominations are open until noon on Friday, August 12.

■ The process:

You must be a New Zealand citizen (by birth or naturalisation ceremony) and on either the general or Ma¯ori electoral roll.

You need two people to nominate you using the official nomination form, which can be picked up at all council library and service centres. Nominators must be over 18 years old and enrolled in the area you wish to stand for.

Hand the completed form in at one of the council’s library and service centres or post the completed form to council electoral officer Dale Ofsoske, PO Box 5135, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.

A $200 deposit must be paid, which may be refunded depending on election results. ■ Where can I get a nomination form?

Each nomination must be made on the appropriate official nomination paper.

A separate nomination is required for each position and is available from:

Waih¯ı Beach Library and Service Centre, 106 Beach Rd, Waih¯ı

The Centre — Pa¯tuki Manawa, Katikati Library and Service Centre, 21 Main Rd, Katikati

O¯ mokoroa Library and Service Centre, 28 Western Ave, O¯ mokoroa

Te Puke Library and Service Centre, 130 Jellicoe St, Te Puke

Western Bay of Plenty Council’s main office, Barkes Corner, 1484 Cameron Rd, Greerton, Tauranga

Open generationchange.nz for more information on how to stand for council or a community board, what being a councillor involves or to download the Candidate Handbook or All You Need to know about Council Pre-election Report