Nominations open for candidates to fill an extraordinary vacancy

Nominations are open for candidates in the election to fill an extraordinary vacancy on the Invercargill City Council.

The vacancy arose due to the resignation of Cr Jackie Kruger on June 8, who stood down as she has relocated to Australia.

Invercargill City Council Electoral Officer Graham Low said under legislation Council was obliged to conduct an election to fill the position left vacant by Cr Kruger within 82 days.

Mr Low said nominations opened on June 12 and close on July 10 at noon.  Polling day for the election would be August 29 and voting papers were expected to be delivered to households no later than August 12.

“Anyone over the age of 18 can stand for election as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and have been enrolled on the electoral roll,” Mr Low said.

Mr Low said nominations for candidates must be received by noon on July 10 at either the Invercargill City Council, Civic Administration Building, 101 Esk Street, Invercargill or Bluff Service Centre, 94 Gore Street, Bluff.

Each candidate must be nominated on the nomination paper which is available from:

• Invercargill City Council, Civic Administration Building, 101 Esk Street, Invercargill
• Bluff Service Centre, 94 Gore Street, Bluff
• The Council website www.icc.govt.nz

Nominations must be accompanied by a deposit of $200 (GST inclusive).

A candidate may submit a candidate profile statement and a passport-sized photograph with their nomination paper for sending out with the voting documents to electors.  An attachment to the nomination paper outlines rules and procedures governing candidate profile statements.

Mr Low also advised that anyone wishing to vote should make sure that they were on the Invercargill Electoral Roll.

“You must be enrolled by July 10, to ensure that voting papers are sent to you.  For those who are not enrolled you can fill out the enrolment forms at any New Zealand Post outlet.”

For further information on standing as a candidate visit the Invercargill City Council or contact Mr Low at the Council on 211 1777.