Time is running out to register as a candidate in local elections

According to the latest numbers from Auckland Council, as of 8am yesterday, July 30, 13 candidates are standing for the Papakura Local Board and 13 for the Franklin Local Board.

There are six available seats on the Papakura Local Board, with five standing for the Franklin Local Board’s four Pukekohe subdivision seats, five for Wairoa subdivision’s three seats, and three for the Waiuku subdivision’s two seats.

Two candidates have entered the race for the one available seat representing the Franklin ward on the council’s governing body, while five are standing in Manurewa-Papakura, which has two ward seats.

The council is regularly updating the number of candidates who are taking part in this year’s local elections.

Meanwhile, in the Waikato District, incumbent Jacqui Church is challenged by former deputy mayor Aksel Bech for the mayoralty.

Fabio Rodrigues has withdrawn his bid for the Waikato District mayoralty.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, Davendra Kumar, Richard Gee, and Christopher Betty are nominated for three of the six seats on the Tuakau Community Board, while Leah Fry joins Trish Murray as a 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.

Tony Whittaker, acting chief executive officer at Waikato District Council, says whether you’ve always dreamed of being mayor, have a passion for serving as a councillor or want to make a difference on a community board, this is your chance to stand.

“Joining local government is a fantastic way to help shape the future of our communities and the district as a whole.

“You don’t need to have a background in politics or be a renowned public speaker to stand. We’re looking for diverse and enthusiastic community members who are ready to make a real impact.”

With one mayoral position, 13 councillor seats across 10 different wards, and 32 community board member seats, the council has a range of opportunities for locals to join the decision-making table and represent the voices closest to them.

Candidates can also stand for the Te Kauwhata Licensing Trust, which has six seats available, with members being elected ‘at large’ from within the licensing trust area.

“Whether you’re a first-time voter who simply wants to make a difference in your local community, or a long-time resident who’s always been interested in local government, you fit the criteria to stand,” Tony says.

Candidate nominations for all elected member positions close at 12pm on Friday, August 1.

Auckland Council governance and engagement general manager Lou-Ann Ballantyne recently said 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.

“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.

The salary each elected member receives vary depending upon the role.

Auckland’s mayor earns $306,952 annually while the city’s deputy mayor is on $168,817.

Ward councillors on the council’s governing body earn $111,782.

Local board members get $31,141 to $55,811. A local board chairperson receives $62,282 to $111,623 and a local board deputy chair earns $37,369 to $66,974.

Candidate nominations for this year’s local elections opened on July 4 and close at 12pm this Friday, August 1.

Voting is open from September 9 to October 11, with final results announced from October 14-17.

The Franklin Times is calling for candidates standing to represent the Franklin or Manurewa-Papakura wards on Auckland Council’s governing body, or for a seat on the Franklin Local Board or Papakura Local Board, to get in touch.

Likewise, if you’re standing in North Waikato for the Waikato District Council, we want to hear from you too. Candidates for the Rural-Port Waikato Community Board or Tuakau Community Board, along with the North Waikato wards of Tuakau-Pokeno, Awaroa-Maramarua, and Western Districts, please get in touch.

We’re giving candidates the chance to have a statement about themselves of up to 350 words, plus a high-resolution photo that’s at least 1MB in file size, published in the Franklin Times and on our website and social media platforms.