Candidate information evenings for council prospects

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to stand for a role on your district or regional council? Maybe as mayor? Possibly as a district or regional councillor?

Before you make up your mind there’s an opportunity to find out more about this year’s local government elections at a number of candidate information evenings. Hear about where the council is up to, what projects and challenges are on the horizon, and what sort of people council need to address the future. 

The evening will feature two presenters – KDC chief executive Louise Miller, alongside General Manager Governance, Strategy & Democracy Jason Marris – with a brief presentation about the council and the roles and responsibilities of elected members. 
KDC electoral officer Dale Ofsoske will cover the election process including details on how prospective candidates can submit nominations. 

The event in Dargaville will include a presentation from Northland Regional Council about the differences between Regional and District Council. More information on NRC evenings can be found on their website nrc.govt.nz.

“The candidates evening provides an excellent opportunity for people who have already decided or are still making up their minds about standing for a council role to find out more on the various positions covered by the elections and how they can become candidates,” says Mr Marris.

For the next three year term, Kaipara district voters need to elect a mayor, eight district councillors from across the recently decided four ward structure (Central/West Coast, Dargaville, Otamatea, Kaiwaka/Mangawhai).

Nominations open on Friday July 19 and close on Friday August 16 (at noon), with voting papers being sent out to enrolled residents between September 20-25. Election Day is Saturday October 12 this year, with provisional results expected to be announced by Sunday October 13.

Candidate nomination forms will be available at the information evenings and are also available from the council's offices at Dargaville and Mangawhai, from Friday July 19 onwards. 
 

District events timetable  Mon July 22, 5:30-6:30pm, Maungaturoto Country Club, Bickerstaffe Road.  Wed July 24, 5:30-6:30pm, Mangawhai Heads Surf Club, Mangawhai.  Mon July 29, 5:30-6:30pm, Kaiwaka Memorial Hall, Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road.  Wed July 31, 5:30-6:30pm, Dargaville Town Hall, Hokianga Road (with Northland Regional Council).  Mon August 5, 5:30-6:30pm, Ruawai–Tokatoka War Memorial Hall, Wharf Road.