Nominations deadline looms
With less than a week left to submit local government candidate nominations Waipā residents are being urged to ”get a wriggle on”.
Candidate nominations opened on 15 July, and by today (August 5) there had been four verified nominations for mayor, eight for councillors and only three nominations for community boards.
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 while the number of nominations for councillors remained low, eight vacant positions out of 10 spots for the two community boards was concerning.
"Our local community boards play an important role in progressing community issues and ideas through to Council. They are a great opportunity for those who want to get involved in council but only have limited time to participate,” she said.
“With nominations closing at midday on Friday, I would strongly encourage anyone thinking of applying to get in quick and do so.”
Waipā has two local community boards, one in Te Awamutu covering the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi and Kakepuku community subdivisions and one in Cambridge, covering Cambridge and Maungatautari community subdivisions.
A recent review of the role and functions of the community boards make it an exciting time to be on a community board.
“The changes we will be implementing after the election mean community boards will have a greater strategic input into council activities, while still representing their respective 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.
She urged all potential candidates not to leave their nominations until the 11th hour.
“People could literally miss out because they’ve not had their paperwork done on time. Don’t leave it until the last minute.”
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.
