Buller District Council launches Vote22 campaign

10 Jun 2022

In conjunction with Taituara (Local Government Professionals Aotearoa) Buller District Council has launched its Vote22 campaign.

The nationwide campaign has two distinct phases – stand and vote. Initially and critically, council will be focusing on the stand aspect which has the objective of encouraging a diverse range of people from within our communities to stand in this year’s local body elections.

Buller District Council chief executive officer Sharon Mason says it is fundamental that the community understands the importance of local decision-making and how local people can make a difference to their district by being part of it.

Ms Mason says: “By being an elected member, you can make a real difference in the crucial decisions about the Buller District’s future resilience. You can help shape your community.

We want our elected Councillors to represent our diversity and provide the best quality voice for our communities. We also want to inform prospective candidates about the process and where to find information.

Councils and our subcommittees play a critical role in supporting the resilience and prosperity of all our people, whānau and communities in Buller. Climate change activities, flood protection, central government reforms, employment opportunities for youth and local government input into the health reforms are just some of our key strategic decisions.”

Local Council candidate nominations open on Friday 15 July and close at noon on Tuesday 12 August.

“We know people will be thinking about standing for council now, so they can plan to be part of the elections. The information we can provide is about what is involved and how to go about it. It is an exciting time to be a Councillor in our district” says Ms Mason.

Local government elections will take place on Saturday 8 October 2022, with postal voting getting underway from 16 September 2022.

-ENDS-

For more information contact:

Chief executive officer
Sharon Mason
Sharon.mason@bdc.govt.nz

Background

The next triennial local government elections will be held on Saturday 8 October 2022. The election is being carried out by postal vote from 16 September 2022.

Important dates for the 2022 Local body elections:

  • 15 July 2022 candidate nominations open and roll opens for public inspection
  • 12 August 2022 at 12 noon candidate nominations close and roll closes
  • 17 August 2022 public notice of candidates’ names
  • 16 – 21 September 2022 voting documents delivered
  • 4 October 2022 last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to Council’s secure ballot boxes.
  • 8 October 2022 at 12 noon Election Day, voting closes midday
  • 8 October 2022 from 12 noon preliminary results
  • 13-19 October 2022 declaration of results
  • October/November 2022 Elected members’ swearing in ceremonies