Concern over nominations for local elections

JULIA WADE

11 July, 2022

With the local body elections looming and three stalwart Kaipara council members stepping away from seeking another term, now is the time for people keen on becoming a decision-maker for their community to cast their name in the proverbial hat.

Soon-to-be-retired Mangawhai/Kaiwaka councillor Peter Wethey says people thinking about applying only have between July 15 and August 12 and wants to encourage interested individuals to do so as ‘we need about five/six people standing for a good contest’.

“My concern is that we’ve fought long and hard to get more representation for Mangawhai/Kaiwaka, the biggest and fastest growing ward in the district by a long shot,” he says. “For the first time ever, we have a chance for three councillors to be elected which, significantly, is 50 percent more representation than what we’ve previously had, so its vital we get people putting their name forward.”

Although Wethey has been ‘shoulder tapping’ and talking to what he believes are prospective councillors, to date he has not heard of any nominations, which he finds worrying, saying if qualified people do not stand ‘we might as well not have the extra representation’.

Also, with such controversial legislation being promoted by government, it is crucial Kaipara has able-bodied people on council to promote the wishes of the community.

“The next three years are going to be a different type of term with various ’hot potato’ legislations like Three Waters and local government reform, and we need people confident and willing to take the issues on and make sure we aren’t run ragged by central government,” Wethey says. “There are a number of experienced locals who would make great councillors and representatives for this community, they just need to give it some thought and put their hands up.”

Retiring councillor Peter Wethey finds the lack of nominations worrying. PHOTO/FILE