People wanting to contribute to the Waipā district have until noon on Friday, 12 August to put their hand up and stand in the 2022 local government elections.
Nominations for elections open today Friday, 15 July, closing on 12 August.
Voters will go to the polls again this year to elect a Mayor, two Community Boards and 11 Councillors. For the very first time, a Waipā Māori ward councillor will be elected.
Waipā governance manager Jo Gread said people who were passionate about the future of the District should consider standing for election.
“If you want to help shape the district, work with the community, and represent your people, now is your chance to stand up and be counted.
“To stand you can be from any ethnicity, demographic and background, you just need to be a New Zealand citizen, on the electoral roll, and 18-years and over.”
Gread said elected members were responsible for making key decisions on a huge range of issues that had a direct impact on the wider community.
Council business covered everything from transport to infrastructure, libraries to sporting facilities, emergency management to parks through to waste and environmental protection, she said.
“Councils undertake a huge scope of work on behalf of their communities. Successful elections need good candidates who have the best interests of the community at heart.”
Waipā residents are also being urged to stand for the district’s two local community boards.
There are two boards - one in Te Awamutu covering Te Awamutu and Kihikihi and Kakepuku wards and one in Cambridge, covering Cambridge and Maungatautari wards.
Community board members represent and act as an advocate for the interests of their specific communities.
“As a board member you will also represent the community to other agencies, monitor the provision of council services and advocate for change when necessary,” Gread said.
Those interested in running have until 12 noon on Friday 12 August to submit their nominations.
For more information about the roles and responsibilities of each position and for candidate nomination forms head to waipadc.govt.nz/elections. Forms can also be picked up in person at the Cambridge or Te Awamutu council offices.
The Council webpage advises potential candidates on what to do and also lists key dates.
Key dates for the 2022 local elections:
- 15 July 2022 - Candidate nominations open and roll opens for public inspection.
- 12 August 2022 at 12 noon - Candidate nominations close and roll closes.
- 17 August 2022 - Public notice of candidates’ names.
- 16 – 21 September 2022 - Voting documents delivered.
- 16 September 2022 - Voting opens.
- 4 October 2022 - Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to Council’s secure ballot boxes.
- 8 October 2022 at 12 noon - Election day – voting closes midday.
- 8 October 2022 from 12 noon - Preliminary results released.
- 13-19 October 2022 - Declaration of results.
- October/November 2022 - Elected members’ swearing in ceremonies.
