Time is running out for candidates to get their name on ballot papers for elections later this year with nominations closing at 12 noon tomorrow.

Ōpōtiki District Council deputy electoral officer Cindy Butt said people who left it to the deadline would have no time to correct any errors or fix any paperwork.

“I know Ōpōtiki candidates have traditionally left it until very late to submit nominations, maybe to help keep their powder dry or to build up the courage to do it, but it is a risky strategy and it would be a real disappointment for potential candidates to find themselves with a form missing or have their Wi-Fi drop out at the last moment and not get their nomination in on time. Please don’t leave it to the last minute,” Ms Butt said.

The council was central to the community and affected every aspect of people’s lives from safe drinking water to animal control, liquor licensing, community services like events and Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi, sports fields, local roads, rubbish, cemeteries, building consents and so much more.

“Councillors and the mayor are elected to make decisions and represent the needs and interests of their community and use those governance skills to balance the community’s short term and long term needs and desires.

“To stand as a candidate, you simply have to be over the age of 18, a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the General or Māori electoral roll and have a desire to provide that governance and service to your community.

“This is even more exciting for Ōpōtiki as we have Māori wards for the first time this elections. Let’s make sure we have the best candidates for each of these new wards who can bring the community vision to life in the coming three years,” Ms Butt said.

Everyone can vote for the mayor. In addition, if you are enrolled on the Māori roll, you can stand for one of two councillor positions in the Ōpōtiki Maori ward or as a councillor in the Coast Māori ward. If you are enrolled on the General roll, you can stand for one of two councillors in the Rural ward or one of two councillors in the Urban ward. If you live in the Coast Community Board area, you can stand for one of the four board positions for the Coast Community Board.

The council website has information that is helpful to potential candidates.

Vacancies still to fill as deadline looms

With only one day for nominations to be accepted, Ōpōtiki District Council is lacking candidates in some seats for the local elections in October.

Nominations close at noon on Friday.

As of 3.30pm yesterday, the official list of candidates had current Mayor David Moore standing unopposed for his position.

One candidate, Pāpā Wharewera, is standing for the single vacancy in the Coast Māori ward.

Two candidates, Maude Maxwell and Linda Steel are standing in the two vacancies in the Ōpōtiki Māori ward.

No one is standing for the two vacancies in the rural general ward.

The urban general ward is the only ward that will see a contest with three candidates, Barry Howe, Lyn Riesterer and Shona Browne standing for the two vacancies.

The Coast Community Board is also short, with only two candidates, Te Ataarangi Parata and Allen Haenga, standing for the four vacancies.