Local election nominations closing soon
Time is running out for those who want to put their hand up to look after the place we love.
Nominations for roles available in the 2016 local elections close on Friday, August 12 at noon, with a number of people already putting their name forward to stand in October's elections.
Elected positions include the district's mayor and councillors, regional councillors, community board members and members of district health boards.
Interested candidates need to be a New Zealand citizen who is enrolled as a parliamentary elector anywhere in New Zealand. Once eligible, candidates need to be nominated by two electors whose names appear on the electoral roll for the Taupo District.
Democracy and community engagement manager Tina Jakes said standing in local elections allows people to play a significant role in the future of our district.
"Successful candidates get to make important decisions about issues that affect our community over the next three years and will have a say in shaping the Taupo District for our residents and visitors for generations to come."
Candidate nomination forms are available on the Taupo District Council website, from council offices in Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino or by phoning 0508 440 010. A Candidate Handbook including information on the different roles and rules around campaigning are also available from council's website.
As well as nominations closing, elector rolls also close on Friday, August 12 and Ms Jakes said voters who wish to receive their voting forms in the mail will need to ensure they are enrolled by this date.
"If you want to receive your voting papers in the mail, you need to enrol or update your details by August 12 and your papers will arrive in your mailbox between September 16 and 21. For those enrolling after August 12, a special vote will need to be cast by contacting a Taupo District Council office for voting papers. Voting papers need to be returned before voting closes at noon on October 8."
You can get an enrolment form from elections.org.nz, by freetexting your name and address to 3676, calling 0800 36 76 56 or going in to any PostShop.
Voters who own property within the Taupo District but usually live in another district, can also apply to go on the ratepayer roll. They will then be able to vote in the area where they pay rates, as well as the area where they live.
For those who wish to apply for the ratepayer roll, contact elections@electionz.com or phone 0508 666 336.