StandWhakatono

You must be a New Zealand citizen and your name must be on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll (anywhere in New Zealand).

When lodging your nomination, proof of citizenship will be required (copy of passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate).

You will need to have two electors enrolled on the relevant Parliamentary Electoral Roll in the area you are standing for to nominate you – e.g. if you stand for the Wairoa Māori Ward, the nominators will need to be two electors enrolled on the Parliamentary Māori Electoral Roll within the Wairoa District area. (Note the candidate does not need to reside in the area in which they are standing but will need to disclose that fact in their candidate profile statement).

Nominations open on Friday 15 July 2022. If you would like a nomination paper and candidate information handbook sent out, please contact the  electoral officer closer to this date. Nomination papers will also be available on the council’s website as well as the Candidate Information Booklet.

Candidate campaigning can commence any time prior to the election (no time restriction), but any expenditure made, within or outside the three month applicable period before election day, must be accounted for.

Being an elected member is a busy job that often involves meetings, events and speaking with community members outside of normal business hours.

Flexibility and the ability to prioritise and manage time effectively are essential. This includes balancing a high volume of reading, paperwork and emails with a schedule of meetings and public commitments.

Consequently, the mayor is considered a full-time job and councillors are generally part-time jobs.

Nothing formal. Elected members come from all walks of life and generally have a will/desire to serve the community.

All (or some) of the following capabilities will be useful in the elected member role:

- quality decision-making
- political acumen
- leadership
- cultural awareness
- strategic thinking
- knowledge and understanding of Wairoa District Council and local government
- communication and engagement
- relationship building and collaboration.

Elections are being held for:

• Mayor - 1 (elected at large or district-wide)
• General Ward Councillors – 3 (elected by those on the Wairoa General Roll)
• Māori Ward Councillors - 3 (elected by those on the Wairoa Māori Roll)
• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council – 1 (elected from the Wairoa Constituency)
• Hawke's Bay Regional Council - 1 (elected from the Māui ki te Raki Māori Constituency)

Ultimately elected members final responsibility is to the local community. The Minister of Local Government and the Auditor–General do have a role in ensuring that Council follows the law.

Elected members take up office the day after the official result has been declared by public notice. However, members cannot act until they have sworn the oath of office which is usually at the first meeting of the Council. This first meeting is usually held as soon as practicable after the final election results are known.

A remuneration pool is set by the Remuneration Authority.  For further information refer www.remauthority.govt.nz

You will need to pay a nomination deposit of $200 GST inclusive. This deposit applies to each election (position) you stand for.

Your nomination deposit can be paid by cash EFTPOS or electronic bank transfer. Credit card or cheques will not be accepted.

If you poll greater than 25% of the lowest polling successful candidate (for FPP elections), you will receive your nomination deposit back.

Your nomination must be received by the close of nominations 12 noon on Friday 12 August 2022.

The main reason people don't vote is lack of knowledge about the candidates and their views.

A successful campaign is one where local residents know the key issues you stand for within the community. Here are some useful tips for connecting with people and getting more votes.

• Use social media channels like Facebook and Twitter as they are cheap to run and have wider reach
• Get out into the community by door knocking, addressing public meetings and talking to the public
• Look for interview opportunities on the radio, local newspapers or magazines
• Advertise your views in newspapers or on billboards.

There are regulations around campaigning, including what can be spent and how and when signage can be displayed. For full details, see The Local Electoral Act 2001 on the Legislation website.