More than one important election will get under way in Christchurch this year.
Closely following New Zealand’s general election on 19 September, a by-election for a Central ward representative on the Waikura/Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board is set for Friday, 16 October.
Nominations open on Thursday, 23 July, with forms and information available online at ccc.govt.nz/elections.
The by-election follows the resignation of one of Christchurch’s longest-serving elected members, Sally Buck.
“The general election is putting democracy on the radar this year but it’s our Community Board by-election that provides a great opportunity for someone to make a contribution at the local level,” Christchurch City Council Electoral Officer Jo Daly says.
“There are a lot of capable, committed potential leaders out there in the community. We are urging anyone who is considering a step into local government to get their nominations in early so that there is plenty of time to make sure everything is correct.
“While candidates must be New Zealand citizens and enrolled on the Parliamentary residential electoral roll, they don’t necessarily need to live in the Central ward.
“However, they must be nominated for the position by two people who are enrolled locally in the Central ward.”
Completed nomination documents can be dropped off in person to the Electoral Officer at the Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street, emailed to jo.daly@ccc.govt.nz, or posted to The Electoral Officer, Christchurch City Council, PO Box 73016, Christchurch 8154 to arrive before Thursday, 20 August.
The by-election will be conducted by postal vote, with voting papers sent to enrolled Central ward residents and ratepayers from Thursday, 24 September.
Voting will close at noon on Friday, 16 October, with a progress update available later that day.
Electoral Officer Jo Daly can be contacted on 03 941 8581, 027 236 9052 or at jo.daly@ccc.govt.nz.