Lack of people standing for Auckland's next local body election worries officials
Photo:
RNZ / Isra'a Emhail
A lack of people putting their hand up to stand in Auckland's upcoming local body elections is worrying officials who are counting down till nominations open next month.
There are 171 positions for local board members, ward councillors and one mayor to be filled, but so far only a few candidates have announced they will stand.
For the mayoralty, so far incumbent Wayne Brown and a councillor Kerrin Leoni have thrown their hats in the ring.
Speculation deputy mayor
Desley Simpson would challenge Brown was quashed
earlier this month when she said she would serve as his deputy again if they were both re-elected.
With nominations opening on July 4 ahead of the October elections, Auckland Council is encouraging those considering their calling to local politics to get busy.
Council's general manager for governance and engagement Lou-Ann Ballantyne said now was the time to prepare.
"July is just weeks away, so I encourage anyone planning to stand to think about your candidate statement, your social media profiles, your community connections, and the issues that matter in your area."
In the 2022 local elections, 466 Aucklanders stepped up as candidates to be elected, including 23 who ran for the position of mayor, while 65 stood for ward councillor positions and 378 stood for local boards.
Meanwhile, 423 candidates stood to be elected in 2019.
People considering standing do not need to live in the area they choose to represent but do require two nominations from those living there.
If only one candidate stands in an area they will be elected but if an area has no candidates, it could trigger a by-election in March 2026.
Electoral officer Dale Ofsoske said if by close of nominations in August an area has no candidates, an extraordinary vacancy would be created.
"An estimated cost for a subsequent by-election ranges dramatically from a mayoral by-election in the millions to the smallest local board, Aotea Great Barrier," he said.
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