The August 24 closing date for candidate nominations is approaching, so if you have been considering standing as Mayor, a Councillor or Community Board member, now is the time to get your nomination form in.
You do not need to have any special qualifications, or a background in local government, but a genuine interest in community affairs is essential. You must be a New Zealand citizen, enrolled on the parliamentary roll (anywhere in New Zealand) and have lived at your current address for longer than one month.
The nomination process is very simple. You will need two people to nominate you on an official nomination form (available from Council offices). You then send the completed form to the Waipa District Council Electoral Officers, John Mills or Bobbie Blenkarne. You must consent to the nomination by signing the nomination form, but you cannot nominate yourself. The people who nominate you must both be over 18, enrolled to vote in the Waipa area, and live in the Ward you wish to represent.
When you send in your form you will need to include a $200 (including GST) deposit. The deposit may be refunded depending on how many votes you get in the election. The nomination form and deposit need to reach us by 12 noon on August 24.
When you submit your nomination form, you can also include a photograph and profile (150 word maximum). These will be published in a booklet and sent out with voting papers.
If you are a community minded person, with the time and skills to make a difference for the people in the Waipa District, then make sure you are a candidate for the 2007 local body elections!
For further information:
- Speak to Electoral Officers John Mills or Bobbie Blenkarne on 0800 924 723
- Log onto Council’s website www.waipadc.govt.nz
- Pick up a candidate information booklet from either of Council’s offices