Nominations are now open for local elections candidates, until Friday 1 August, midday.
This election, for the first time ever, candidates will be able to submit their nominations online; and alternatively hardcopies are available from select Auckland Council Libraries, Election Services or downloadable from Vote Auckland.
Auckland Council’s Governance and Engagement General Manager Lou-Ann Ballantyne is keen to see plenty of passionate Aucklanders put their hand up to serve their region.
“It’s time for Aucklanders to step up for their whānau and fellow community members, complete the paperwork and let voters know more about them,” says Ms Ballantyne.
Will candidate numbers increase from last elections, and will there be more equitable representation for Aucklanders?
A healthy 466 nominations were received in 2022 - up from 2019’s 423 nominations.
“With 172 seats to be contested, that’s 21 local boards made up of five to 11 members, 20 ward councillors and the mayor – so it really does take a village to lead Tāmaki Makaurau.
“Ideally, a good range of candidates who reflect Auckland’s diverse population would help improve voter turnout,” she says.
“Research tells us voters are more likely to participate if they can relate to or identify with candidates.”
To be nominated, candidates need to be New Zealand citizens, 18 years of age or over and on the New Zealand electoral roll. Their nomination form needs to have signatures from two voters registered in the area where they are standing, and a deposit of $200 (this is refunded if they poll greater than 25 per cent of the lowest successful candidate).
Elections dates to diarise
Friday 1 August, midday: nominations close.
Nomination forms must be received no later than midday Friday 1 August online or in hard copy by the Electoral Office at 167 Victoria Street, Auckland Central (entrance off Dock Street) or at select venues. Doors will be closed to in-person submissions at midday.
A preliminary list of candidates received will be announced as soon as practicable on the evening of Friday 1 August.
Monday 4 August: final list of all confirmed candidates will be announced on Monday 4 August.
The list of candidates will be published on VoteAuckland. Candidate profiles will be available from Monday 1 September so voters can learn more about candidates and their priorities for Tāmaki Makaurau prior to voting, which opens on Tuesday 9 September.
