It's Time To Make A Stand!
Anyone interested in standing for mayor or councillor in one of Porirua's three wards has until midday 1 August to get their nomination in. Four councillors are elected in the Pāuatahanui general ward, covering the north of Porirua, five in the Onepoto general ward, covering the city's east and west, and one in the Parirua Māori Ward (by those on the Māori electoral roll).
Porirua's Deputy Electoral Officer Jack Marshall says it's an exciting time to get involved to help shape your community.
"Porirua is such a diverse community and people from all walks of life and experiences put their hand up to represent the city," he says.
"Standing for Council is an opportunity to show that you are Porirua proud, and if elected, you'll be part of a team making decisions that shape Porirua's future.
"We want the process to be as straightforward as possible, so we're here to help answer any questions potential candidates might have."
All the information on standing for Council can be found at poriruacity.govt.nz/elections
To be a candidate you must be 18 or over, a New Zealand citizen and be on the general or Māori electoral roll. You don't have to live in the ward you're standing for, but two people over 18 who are on the electoral roll in that ward must nominate you.
For those thinking of standing, there are two candidate information sessions where you can hear about the job from the elections team, Council staff, and previous elected members. They are on from 10-11am on Saturday 12 July and 7-8pm on Monday 14 July, in the Helen Smith Room at Pātaka. A NZ sign language interpreter will be at both sessions, and one session will be recorded to view online if you can't make it.
Voting documents will be posted in September, with voting closing at midday on Saturday, 11 October.
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