Council contenders put their best feet forward
20 people have thrown their hats in the ring as candidates in the upcoming Ōpōtiki District Council elections.
The deadline for nominations passed at midday on Friday 16 August and the following confirmed candidates have been received:
- 7 nominations for Mayor (1 Vacancy)
Xiao Yu CHEN
Alex DOBIE
Peter IRVING
Les KEANE
Haki MCROBERTS
Louis RPIHANA
Lyn RIESTERER
- 9 nominations for Ōpōtiki Ward Councillor (3 Vacancies)
Paula BLACK - Independent
Shona BROWNE
Xiao Yu CHEN
Alex DOBIE
Barry HOWE
Peter IRVING
Les KEANE
Laura NEISH
Steve NELSON
- 5 nominations for Waioeka-Waiotahe Ward Councillor (2 Vacancies)
Michael Spike COLLIER
Ron FINDLAY
Debi HOCART
Lew KERR - Independent
David MOORE - Independent
- 3 nominations for Coast Ward Councillor (1 Vacancy)
Haki MCROBERTS
Louis RPIHANA
Allen WAENGA
- 4 nominations for the Coast Community Board (4 Vacancies)
Michael Spike COLLIER
Gail Maria KEEPA
Tiaki PARATA
Allen WAENGA
(As the number of candidates does not exceed the number of vacancies Michael Collier, Gail Keepa, Tiaki Parata and Allen Waenga are duly declared elected members of the Coast Community Board).
Aileen Lawrie, CEO for Ōpōtiki District Council, says she is pleased with the level of interest from the community.
"The list of confirmed candidates is available on our Elections page (candidate images and profile statements will be loaded 27 August), and there is still time for residents and ratepayers to make sure they are enrolled to vote. Details can be checked at vote.nz and even though it is too late to be on the printed electoral role for the 2019 elections, voters will still be able to lodge special votes if they get themselves enrolled before 12 October."
"For everyone already on the electoral role, voting papers will be sent out from Friday 20 September to Wednesday 25 September and voting closes 12 noon on Saturday 12 October."
"I encourage voters to read our 2019 Pre-Election report (PDF, 1.8MB) which is designed to enable informed debate ahead of the elections. It includes information on Council's current strategic direction, the issues and challenges we face, current projects and summary financials. It's also on our elections page and hardcopies are available from our office and the Library."
"I'd also like to extend my congratulations to Michael Collier, Gail Keepa, Tiaki Parata and Allen Waenga. They are our current Coast Community Board members and have all been elected unopposed for the 2019-22 term. The board provides invaluable work making sure our coast communities have an important voice within Council".
