Media release

Nominations open for local government candidates

Posted On: Thursday, 22 July 2010

Now is your chance to give local politics a go and have a say in the future of your city, with nominations for the triennial Local Government elections opening tomorrow, Friday, 23 July 2010.

Elections are being held for Hamilton City Council for the positions of mayor and 12 councillors, for Environment Waikato’s four regional councillors, and for seven board members of Waikato District Health Board.

Electoral officer Anthony Dick said that anyone wishing to stand as a candidate must get their nominations before the closing date of noon on Friday, 20 August.

“Local government and local democracy are fundamental to our society, giving the opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard. The mayor and councillors take on a leadership role in Hamilton, representing the views of the community,” he said.

“We need a range of people of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to represent the diversity of our community.”

Anyone over the age of 18 can stand for election as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the electoral roll.

Interested parties can pick up a candidates information pack and nomination forms from the Electoral Office at Hamilton City Council, Level 1, Municipal Building, Garden Place. They can also be mailed by calling 0800 COUNCIL (0800 26 86 24).

Candidates require two people to nominate them. These people must be on the electoral roll in the ward or constituency the candidate wishes to represent.

Voting papers will be sent out from 17 September 2010, with the elections concluding on 9 October 2010.

For further information visit www.hamilton.co.nz/elections