Council urges candidates to not leave paperwork until last minute

With less than two weeks to go to get nominations in Central Otago District Council has 7 verified nominations.

Voters will go to the polls again this year to elect a Mayor, four Community Boards and 11 Councillors.

Deputy Electoral Officer Deborah Beange said as the deadline for local government candidate nominations draws closer candidates are being urged to submit their nominations with sufficient time to spare, or risk missing out.

“If there is missing detail in their paperwork or mistakes have been made, potential candidates will need time to get that corrected and resubmit their nominations,” Ms Beange said.

“People could literally miss out because they’ve not had their paperwork done on time. The last thing we want is for candidates to miss out because of a technical or administrative detail. Don’t leave it until the last minute.”

Central Otago has 11 Council seats plus the Mayor and 16 Community Board seats up for grabs in these elections.

“To run for Council, you need to be nominated by two people who are enrolled to vote in the ward you wish to stand for. It costs $200 to lodge a nomination for each position,” Ms Beange said.

“You can also supply a candidate profile statement and a photo of yourself. These will be displayed in the booklet that is sent out to every voter.”

Those interested in running have until 12 noon on Friday 12 August to submit their applications.

To see who has already put their hand up, more information about the roles and responsibilities of each position, and for candidate nomination forms head to www.codc.govt.nz/elections. Forms can also be picked up in person at Council offices and service centres located in Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh.

Central Otago District Council Chief Executive Sanchia Jacobs also encouraged potential candidates to read Council’s Pre-Election Report now available online on the Council website, and at Council service centres and libraries.

“If you are considering standing for Council or one of our Community Boards, or preparing to vote, there are some important things in the report that we want you to be informed of and consider ahead of this year’s local government elections.

It outlines some of the key challenges we are facing in the next three years and the steps to date we have taken to address these. For the incoming council there will be a strong focus on positioning Central Otago interests in the era-scale reforms we are facing, and ensuring we support the community as we move through a period of change towards a future filled with opportunity.”