08 Jul 2022

Vote 22 information available

With candidate nominations for this year’s local elections opening in just one week, Buller District Council chief executive officer Sharon Mason is encouraging those interested in standing to get a good understanding of local government.

“Taituara (Local Government Professionals Aotearoa) has put together some very helpful documents including a guide to Local Government. This clearly explains the purpose of Local Government, council structure and outlines the Local Government Act 2022.”

“We want all nominated candidates to be as informed and knowledgeable as possible as to what their role would entail and the legislative constraints they would be working under.

Local government elected members are working in a strategic, governance capacity for the long-term wellbeing of their entire community.

Local government is the delivery of local democracy, and it is a very exciting time to be a part of this process”, Ms Mason says.

Following a successful breakfast function in Westport, three further drop-in information sessions are planned:

  • 10am – 11am on Tuesday 12 July @ the Ngakawau Hall, Ngakawau
  • 12pm – 1pm on Tuesday 12 July @ The Last Resort, Karamea
  • 10am – 11am on Wednesday 13 July @ CWI Rooms, Reefton

The Buller District Council website Elections section contains valuable tools for potential candidates and will evolve as the ‘Stand’ and ‘Vote’ phases of the Vote 22 campaign progress.

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