​Candidates urged to get the paperwork in

Twelve days [Wednesday 27/7] after nominations for elections opened, Waipā District Council has only four verified nominations, with other potential candidates being asked for more information.

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 as the deadline for local government candidate nominations draws closer candidates are being urged to submit their nominations with sufficient time to spare, or risk missing out.

“While very few candidates delay their election campaigning, they shouldn’t ignore the need to submit their nomination form within good time,” Gread said.

“People could literally miss out because they’ve not had their paperwork done on time. Don’t leave it until the last minute.”

If there was missing detail in their paperwork or mistakes had been made, potential candidates would need time to resubmit their nominations, she said.

“The last thing we want is for candidates to miss out because of technical or administrative detail.”

Waipā has 11 Council seats plus the Mayor and 10 Community Board seats up for grabs in these elections, including the new Waipā Māori Ward vacancy.

“To run for Council, you need to be nominated by two people who are enrolled to vote in the ward you wish to stand for. It costs $200 to lodge a nomination for each position,” Gread said.

“You can also supply a candidate profile statement and a photo of yourself. These will be displayed in the booklet that is sent out to every voter.”

Those interested in running have until 12 noon on Friday 12 August to submit their applications.

For more information about the roles and responsibilities of each position and for candidate nomination forms head to waipadc.govt.nz/our-council/elections. Forms can also be picked up in person at the Cambridge or Te Awamutu council offices.

Gread also encouraged potential councillors and community board members to thoroughly read Council’s Pre-Election Report now available on the Waipā website (waipadc.govt.nz/candidates).

“The Pre-Election Report provides an overview of Waipā right now, and an overview of the challenges and opportunities we face in the future. If you want to play a leading role in the district for the next three years, being well informed will be crucial.”