Local body elections  |  19 Jul 2019

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Think you can make a positive difference in your community? Keen to have a say in Christchurch’s future?

Then now is the time to get your nomination in for the position of either Mayor, Christchurch City Councillor or Community Board member.

Local body elections are on in October.

Nominations for October’s local body elections officially open today and in the Christchurch City Council elections 54 positions are up for grabs.

Council Electoral Officer Jo Daly is hoping there will be enough people interested in standing to ensure there is competition for every position.

“We’ve had lots of interest so far and I’m anticipating that we will have candidates for every position. In 2016 some candidates stood unopposed, which meant people in some areas did not get a chance to vote for who represented them,’’ Ms Daly says.

“As the Mayor, a Councillor or Community Board member you have a chance to influence the shape of Christchurch. You will be making decisions – big and small – that impact on the day-to-day running of the city.

“If you’re passionate about Christchurch and think you have the skills to help lead the city, then I’d really encourage you to get your nomination in for one of the positions on offer,’’ Ms Daly says.

To stand for election, you must be a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the Parliamentary electoral roll. You do not need to live in the area in which you wish to stand.

“Nominations are open until midday on 16 August but I would really encourage people to get their nominations in as early as possible. If you leave it to the last minute and there is an issue with your nomination that needs correcting, there may not be enough time to fix it before nominations close,’’ Ms Daly says.

Nomination forms are available online. Completed forms can be dropped off in person to the Electoral Officer at the Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street, emailed to nomination2019@ccc.govt.nz, or posted to The Electoral Officer, Christchurch City Council, PO Box 73016, Christchurch 8154.

Voting papers will be mailed out from Friday, 20 September. Voting will close at midday on Saturday 12 October.