Vote 22 information sessions kick off

The Buller District Council begins its Vote 22 community information functions this Thursday with a breakfast at Johnny’s restaurant in Westport.

Additional events are planned in Ngakawau, Karamea and Reefton next week.

The nationwide Vote 22 campaign initiated by Taituara (Local Government Professionals Aotearoa) has two distinct phases – stand and vote. Initially and critically, council is 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 states that the purpose of the breakfast and further upcoming events over the next two weeks is to assist potential candidates to understand the role of an elected member, what effective governance means and how local government works.

“It is imperative for potential candidates to fully understand what their role would be. We need elected members who have the best interests of the entire community first and foremost – not only for today but also for future generations. It means considering the bigger picture and balancing both short and long term responsibilities. Summative, we need Councillors who can think strategically and collaboratively and not just the strongest voices”

“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. For absolute clarity on the expectations around the role of an elected member of Council, we will be releasing a series of articles and documents to ensure candidates are clear and aware of their requirements, commitment, and responsibilities”, Ms. Mason said.

Local council candidate nominations open on Friday 15 July and close at noon on Tuesday 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
[email protected]

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