Nominations for new Councillor open this week

Nominations open this week for a new Waipā District Māori ward councillor.

The vacancy has arisen following the resignation of Te Awamutu-based Takena Stirling earlier this month.

Nominations open on Thursday, March 30 and must be made on the official nomination form. Forms will be available from Thursday on Council’s website (www.waipadc.govt.nz) or from Council offices in Te Awamutu or Cambridge.

As the election is for the Māori ward, only Waipā voters registered on the Waipā Māori electoral roll will be able to vote. As at today, close to 2,400 people were on the roll. But Council’s governance manager Jo Gread says it is not too late for potential voters to be enrolled and cast a vote.

“You can go to www.vote.nz, you can text your name and address to 3676 for a form to be sent, call 0800 36 76 56 or simply email requests to enquiries@elections.govt.nz,” Gread said.

“The electoral roll is not something Council manages but there is still time for people to get enrolled to vote and we would strongly encourage people to do that.”

Nominations must be received by noon on Thursday April 27 with each nomination accompanied by a $200 deposit. Each candidate must be nominated by two people.

The delivery of postal voting papers will start on June 1. Voting will close on Friday June 23 with a successful candidate likely to be announced the same day.