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| August 2004 |
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Call goes out for candidates Candidate nominations for the 2004 council elections opened on 23 July and Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is encouraging people with an interest in local government to consider standing. It is also asking people to make sure they are enrolled to vote. “If you’re passionate about your community and want to make a difference, now is the time to consider becoming a candidate in this year’s local elections,” says Basil Morrison, LGNZ President. “This is an opportunity to have an input into the decisions that affect you, your family and your community. “We’d like to see a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to represent the diversity of our communities,” says Mr Morrison. “All you need to become an elected member is a willingness to participate and a commitment to serve your local community. The roles of mayors, chairs, councillors and community board members can be very demanding but they are also rewarding. “Councils and elected members develop local solutions for local issues, taking into account factors such as geography, diversity of communities, the environment, economic opportunities and the health and social wellbeing of the community. Council's represent the views of their community, and at the same time, balance many different needs.” Nominations close on 20 August and the elections, by postal ballot, are decided on 9 October. Candidates must be over the age of 18, a New Zealand citizen and enrolled as voters. To vote in this year’s local body election, voters need to ensure they are on the electoral roll. Christchurch Electoral Officer Max Robertson says people on the electoral roll would have recently received a confirmation slip in the mail. “If their details are correct, they didn’t need to do anything. The form only needed to be returned if needed updating or correcting,” he says. “People have until 20 August to check their details. If they are not on the roll it is just a matter of applying at any NZ Post Shop and filling out a parliamentary enrolment form.” Voting papers will be sent out from 17 September 2004 and must be mailed back to the Council by Election Day, 9 October 2004.
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