Nominations open for October's election

The triennial local body elections have officially kicked off with nominations for the Gore District Council and Mataura Community Board now open.

Local body elected positions available are:

• Gore District Mayor
• 11 Gore District Councillors – three District-wide, five Gore Ward, two Rural Ward and one Mataura Ward
• Five Mataura Community Board members

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.

Gore District deputy electoral officer Frances Shepherd said taking part in local governance was one of the most effective ways to shape the future of your community.

“As Mayor, Councillor, or Community Board member, you can influence critical areas such as community development, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, economic growth, and rates management.”

Nominations are open until Friday 1 August at 12 noon, although candidates are encouraged to get their nominations in early.

Nomination forms are available on the Council’s website, click here, or can be picked up from the main office.

Candidates’ evening

There will be a candidate information evening on Thursday 17 July, starting at 5:30pm, in the Council chambers. The evening is being held in conjunction with Southland District Council and Environment Southland.

It will provide prospective candidates with an opportunity to learn about the role of elected members, nomination procedures, campaigning, and candidate guidelines.

Other public office roles contested in the Gore District are:

• Southland Regional Council (Environment Southland) – two Eastern Dome Constituency councillors
• Mataura Licensing Trust – nine board members across seven wards
• Gore and District Health Inc – six members across three wards

The public can keep track of nominations through the Council’s confirmed candidates’ portal – click here for the link.

The Council’s website has a lot of helpful information for candidates and voters. To learn more, click here

Local body elections are held under the First-Past-the-Post (FPP) system. Electors may vote in areas where they pay rates, even if they do not reside there.

Key dates are:

4 July: Nominations open, preliminary electoral roll available for public inspection.

• Forms, candidate packs, and information resources can be collected from the Gore District Council office or accessed online.

1 August at 12noon: Nominations and roll close

• Final day to submit completed nomination forms (with $200 deposit) and to apply for inclusion on the residential or ratepayer electoral rolls.

9 to 22 September: Voting documents mailed to electors.

7 October: Last postal return by postmark. After this date, ballots must be dropped in secure boxes at the Council’s main office orkeep an eye out for the large orange wheelie bin in the supermarket.

11 October at 12noon: Polling day closes and preliminary results are released shortly afterwards.