Council Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp says if you want to help shape your city, work with the community, and represent Wellingtonians, now is your chance to stand for Wellington City Council.
“As an elected member, you get to voice the opinions of your community and plan Wellington City’s future,” he says. “We’re seeking candidates over 18-years-old, of all ethnicities and backgrounds for the positions of Mayor and Councillors, as well as Tawa or Makara-Ohariu Community Board members.”
The Council is governed by 15 elected members who represent the city’s residents and ratepayers. Every three years, voters from the city’s five wards elect 14 Councillors. The Mayor is elected by the whole city.
Tawa and Makara residents also vote to elect six members to their local Community Boards.
Nominations are also open for the Capital & Coast District Health Board, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust.
Elected members are responsible for:
- preparing and adopting the Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan and Annual Report
- setting rates and bylaws
- decision-making on regulatory matters
- setting strategies, policies and plans
- governing Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs)
- consulting with, and considering the views of local communities
- monitoring and reviewing the Council’s performance.
To find out about what it’s like to be a Councillor and the role of the City Council, come along to a candidate information evening on Tuesday 23 July.
“We’ll talk about what a day in the life of the Council and Councillors looks like, and potential candidates will learn more about the role of local government and the rules for standing and campaigning for election,” says Mr Lampp.
The session will be held at 5.30pm on level 16 of the Wellington City Council offices at 113 The Terrace. No pre-registration is required, so prospective candidates can just turn up on the day.
Mr Lampp says nominations for Wellington City Council close at 12 midday on Friday 16 August. “Time flies, so get your nomination in early – don’t leave it until the last minute.”
Quick checklist for prospective candidates:
- To be eligible to stand, prospective nominees must be New Zealand citizens, over 18 years of age, and on the electoral roll.
- Candidates don’t have to live in the area in which they want to stand (except for the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust).
- A candidate cannot nominate themselves. Two people who are enrolled in the area or ward they want to stand in must nominate them.
- A nomination deposit of $200 is payable for each position candidates wish to contest.