Council Message - Think about local representation

 

COUNCIL MESSAGE

As you are probably aware, Local Government Elections are happening in 2019. October 12 is polling day, and while it may seem far away, a lot has to happen before then. Currently, nominations are open for elected members of the Kaipara District Council, Northland Regional Council and the Northland District Health Board. 

Our council is made up of eight councillors, two from each ward (Kaiwaka-Mangawhai, Otamatea, Central-West Coast, Dargaville), and a mayor elected at large from across the district. Nominations for elected positions are open until midday on Friday August 16 2019. 

I encourage you to take some time to think about local representation. Local government is something you interact with every day. We manage local roads, parks, water, rubbish collection, libraries and so much more. Local government elected members bring to the council table a wide range of experience, action, plans and skills, and the more diverse the group, the better representation of our District. An elected member is a representative of their community, but should also work together to improve the lives of all those who call Kaipara home, or just pass through for a visit. 

If you’re interested in standing and want to know more about the direction of Kaipara, and the challenges and opportunities we’ll be facing in the next three years I encourage you to pick up a copy of our pre-election report from council offices, or online at www.localelections.co.nz. If you’ve got questions about standing, feel free to contact Jason Marris at KDC on (09) 439 1226 or the Freephone number 0800 922 822.

If you’re not interested in standing, this is a great opportunity to think about who could represent your community. Maybe you could reach out and have a chat to someone who needs that extra nudge to put their hand up. The pre-election report still gives great background information on what skills we need at the council table to continue to make Kaipara thrive.

Also, please make sure you’re enrolled to vote in the upcoming elections which you can do by visiting www.vote.nz, visiting a post shop or calling 0800 36 76 56.

Louise Miller
KDC Chief Executive