Voting opens in Waipa Māori Ward by-election

Four candidates are in the running for the Waipā Māori ward councillor seat which opens for voting from this week (Thursday 1 June).

The candidates – Bill Harris, Barney Manaia, Dale Maree Morgan and Gaylene Roberts, are standing for the seat, following the resignation of Takena Stirling in March this year. As the vacated seat is for a Māori ward councillor, only voters enrolled on the Māori electoral roll will be able to vote.

Waipā governance manager Jo Gread said Council needed to act quickly to fill the vacant seat, ensuring better representation was achieved around the table for Waipā.

“This councillor will be the voice for Māori in our community and with that brings a great responsibility and opportunity to shape our district. The establishment of the Māori ward ensures Māori will have a voice, leading to fairer representation around our Council table.

Waipā has 2,368 people enrolled on the Māori electoral roll and Gread is encouraging them to take the time to get to know the candidates and to vote.

“If you are on the Māori roll, now’s the time to find out about the candidates, and to vote for who you think can best represent you and your whānau. It’s a critical role that will have a genuine influence on our district now and for years to come.”

To check or change which roll you’re enrolled on, the Māori roll or General roll, visit vote.nz/enrolling. You can change between rolls at any time, except for a couple of set times which are outlined at vote.nz/maori-electoral-option.

Voting packs have been posted, with voting closing June 23. Postal votes should be posted no later than June 19. Voting papers can also be delivered to Council offices, the afterhours box at Te Awamutu library and the orange ballet bins at Fresh Choice Te Awamutu, Fresh Choice Leamington and Countdown Te Awamutu. For more information on the candidates, the Māori roll and voting visit waipadc.govt.nz/elections.

The election will be managed independently on Council’s behalf by elections.nz and is expected to cost the Council between $22,000 - $25,000.