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Auckland Council is asking residents if they know someone who has big ideas for the city’s future, strong decision-making skills, and who could make a difference for the local community.
“Then shoulder-tap that talented human to stand for the benefit of Tāmaki Makaurau, as well as themselves in this year’s local elections.
“Auckland Council is looking for passionate Aucklanders from different backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives and a wide range of skills to its decision-making table.
“With only a week until nominations close at midday on August 1, 147 nominations were received as at Friday, July 25.
“That’s 58 positions being contested out of a total of 172.”
The council says if people have someone in mind who they believe would also be great as an elected member for Auckland, then don’t hold back – let them know this is their moment to shine.
“Be the epic support crew that plants the seed and nominate your mate to be in the running for a local board member, ward councillor or mayor in the local elections.”
Council governance and engagement general manager Lou-Ann Ballantyne believes it’s important that decisions made for Auckland represent the views of our diverse communities.
“Here’s your chance to look around, think of that influencer in your life and give them a nudge to put their abilities into motion.
“Auckland’s growth provides opportunities for our future-focused peers to make positive impacts.
“Encourage a friend, a workmate or family member, to embrace the challenge and play a key role in our region’s plans.
“Strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate and collaborate, are ideal skills for candidates, so if this sounds like your person – we want to hear from them.”
No qualifications or experience is required for someone to become an elected member.
They must be 18 years of age or over, a New Zealand citizen, be enrolled to vote, have two nominators enrolled in the same area they intend to stand for, and a $200 deposit.
As of yesterday, July 25, there have been five candidate nominations made for the two available seats representing the Manurewa-Papakura ward, and one nomination representing the Franklin ward on Auckland Council.
There have been seven nominations for the six seats on the Papakura Local Board.
There have been three nominations for a candidate for the Franklin Local Board in the Pukekohe subdivision, four in the Wairoa subdivision, and two in the Waiuku subdivision.
Meanwhile, five have registered as candidates for the Auckland mayoralty.
In the Waikato District, incumbent Jacqui Church is being challenged by former deputy mayor Aksel Bech.
Fabio Rodrigues has withdrawn his bid for the Waikato District mayoralty. He is one of four nominations for the Tuakau-Pokeno ward. The others are Kandi Ngataki, Vern Reeve, and Stephanie Henderson.
Peter Thomson is the sole candidate for Awaroa-Maramarua ward, as is deputy mayor Carolyn Eyre in Western Districts ward.
As for the Waikato Community Boards, Richard Gee and Christopher Betty are nominated for two of the six seats on the Tuakau Community Board, while Trish Murray is the sole nominee for the four seats on the Rural-Port Waikato Community Board.
For the Waikato Regional Council, four nominations are in place for the two Waikato seats in the northern part of the region. Those candidates are: Pamela Storey, Gary McGuire, Noel Smith, and Rhys Craig.
Candidate nominations for this year’s local elections opened on July 4 and close at 12pm on August 1.
Voting is open from September 9 to October 11, with final results announced from October 14-17.
