Notice details

Tauranga City Council is holding a by-election in April to fill the position left vacant by the sad passing of Cr. Gail McIntosh.

Cr. McIntosh had a vision for Tauranga and was a strong advocate for the community. If you have these qualities then it’s time to stand for Tauranga City Council. Nominations for candidates in the upcoming by-election open Monday 5 February.

Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp says it’s time for aspiring councillors to translate their vision for the city into action plans.

“If you want to make the city stronger, grow the economy, and improve residents’ quality of life, you should consider standing as a candidate in this by-election.”

To find out more about the role of the Council and what it’s like to be a city councillor, the Council is holding a candidate information session on Monday, 19 February from 5.30pm in Chambers at 91 Willow Street. No pre-registration is required and prospective candidates are welcome to turn up on the day.

“The workshop will discuss what it takes to be a councillor. Candidates will learn more about the council, the rules for standing and campaigning for election, and the election process,” says Warwick.

Nominations close at noon on Monday, 5 March. Prospective candidates are urged not to leave it until the last minute.

Quick checklist for prospective candidates:

• To be eligible to stand, prospective nominees must be New Zealand citizens, over 18 years of age and on the electoral roll.
• Candidates don’t have to live in  Tauranga City, but the nominator and seconder must.
• A candidate cannot nominate themselves. Two people who are enrolled in Tauranga must nominate them.
•  A nomination fee of $200 is payable by each candidate.

The electoral roll will be available for inspection from today at the customer service centre at 91 Willow Street and at the central city library.

Tauranga residents are being reminded that they need to be enrolled to vote in the elections. Those who own a property in Tauranga but live outside of the area are also eligible to vote.

“It’s a good time to check if you are enrolled. Enrolment and updating your details is easy and can be done online on www.elections.org.nz,” says Warwick.

If you’re not enrolled, or have moved in the last 12 months, you will need to update your details by 5pm on Monday, 5 March to receive a postal voting pack. If you enrol after this date, you will have to contact the Electoral Officer to obtain a special vote during the voting period. Voting will take place by post from Monday, 9 April until 12pm on Tuesday, 1 May.

For further details, please contact:
Warwick Lampp, Electoral Officer, phone 0800 666 939 or 021 498 517
Kirsty Downey, Deputy Electoral Officer, phone 027 839 1531

Note to editors

Timetable for the 2018 by-election