Nominations open soon for would-be regional councillors

 

People keen to become involved in local body politics and help shape Northland’s future are being encouraged to stand at this year’s local authority elections in October.

The official candidate nomination period started on July 19, and Northland’s four councils are collectively keen to encourage a diverse range of people to run for office.

Local authorities will begin hosting information meetings across the North for would-be councillors shortly, including combined events where possible.

For locals interested in standing, Northland Regional Council will be holding local information events: 
 Coastal South: Ruakaka Recreation Centre, Takutai Pl, Ruakaka, Thursday July 25, 5.30-7pm.
 Kaipara: Dargaville Town Hall, 37 Hokianga Rd, Dargaville, Wednesday July 31, 5.30-7pm.

Nominations for candidates also officially opened July 19.

Regional council Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske says anyone keen to stand as a candidate on the Northland Regional Council will have from July 19 until noon on Friday August 16 to get their nominations in.

Mr Ofsoske says anyone aged 18 and over can stand for election provided they are a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the Parliamentary electoral roll.

Northlanders will vote for nine regional councillors representing seven constituencies: Te Hiku, Hokianga-Kaikohe, Coast North (two councillors), Coastal Central, Whangarei Urban (two councillors), Coastal South and Kaipara.

 Candidate information booklets are available now from any Northland Regional Council office. Nomination forms are available from any regional council office, by phoning 0800 002 004 or download from nrc.govt.nz/elections2019. Voting documents will be sent out from Friday September 20 and must be received by the Electoral Officer by noon on election day, Saturday October 12.