Do you want to make a difference? Then this year's Wellington City Council elections in October are your chance to give local politics a go and have a say in the future of your community.

The Council is holding two candidate workshops next week for anyone interested in standing who wants more information about the role of the Council and that of an elected member before putting their name forward.

2007 Elections - Stand

Council Electoral Officer Ross Bly says several Wellington City Councillors will speak at the workshops about their job and what it involves. Attendees will also find out what the Council does and the rules around standing for election and campaigning.

"The workshops are a great chance for anyone who is thinking about standing but isn't exactly sure what the job involves. Being a Councillor is a great way of working with and for the local community but it's a good idea to know what it's all about before you put your name forward," he says.

Nominations for candidates wanting to stand in this year's local authority elections open on Friday 27 July and close at 12 noon on Friday 24 August. The election will be held on Saturday 13 October.

A range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds are needed to represent our diverse community. The positions you can stand for are Wellington City Council (Mayor, Councillor, Tawa or Makara-Ohariu Community Board member).

To be eligible to stand, prospective nominees must be New Zealand citizens, over 18 years of age and on the electoral roll. You do not need to live in the area in which you wish to stand, however two people, who are enrolled in the district or ward you wish to stand in, must nominate you. A candidate cannot nominate themselves. A nomination fee of $200 is also payable for each position you wish to contest.

The workshops are being held in at the Council's offices in Wakefield Street on Monday 23 July from 12 noon to 1.30pm and Tuesday 24 July from 6.00pm to 7.30pm, in Committee Room 1, ground floor, Council Offices, Wakefield Street.

Additional information about the election process is available on the Council's website.

Related Links

• 2007 Elections - Overview
• 2007 Elections - Stand

Department Details:
External Communications