Counting down to local body elections
The 2022 local elections are on the way. Local councils are encouraging community-minded residents to start thinking about putting their name in the mix to stand for Mayor, councillor or community board member, or who they’d like to represent them.
The elections are held by postal vote, opening on Friday 16th September and closing at midday on Saturday 8th October 2022.
“It’s never too early to think about what’s important to you, who you want to represent you or even about standing yourself,” says Christchurch City Council Electoral Officer Jo Daly.
“You get one chance every three years to decide who represents you and makes decisions on your behalf. Things around the Council table will change, with you or without you, so we want as many people as possible to be part of the process, as candidates and voters.”
“We are encouraging anyone who wants to make a difference in the local community to take a stand. Local government and local democracy are fundamental to our community and we need a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to represent the diversity of our community,” says Selwyn District Council Chief Executive David Ward.
Candidate nominations open on 15th July 2022 and close at noon on 12th August 2022.
Candidates must be a New Zealand citizen aged over 18 years and enrolled on the electoral roll. They don’t need to live in the area they represent but do need to be nominated by two people enrolled in the area.
You need to be on the electoral roll to vote. Keep an eye on your mailbox for Electoral Commission packs to check your enrolment details.
Visit vote.nz to check if you’re already enrolled.
Christchurch City Council elections
Enrolled voters across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula will vote to elect one mayor, 16 councillors and 37 community board members for six community boards across 16 wards.
The Council is holding two candidate information sessions in June, to give those considering taking the step an insight into what's involved. Ms Daly and Chief Executive Dawn Baxendale will run through the process of standing and actually serving, and answer questions.
The sessions are at the Function Room, Level 1, Te Hononga Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street on the following dates:
- Wednesday 22nd June (4.30pm); and
- Thursday 30th June (6pm).
“Last year, the Council undertook a Representation Review as it’s required to do every six years, so some voters may find themselves voting in a different ward than they’re used to,” Ms Daly says.
There have been changes to ward boundaries for the 2022 CCC election, and the number of community boards will be reduced from seven to six. These six community boards cover three wards with members elected from each ward, with the exception of the Banks Peninsula ward, which has its own community board with four subdivisons.
Get more information about standing, enrolling and voting in the Christchurch City Council local body elections.
Selwyn District Council elections
The Council will be holding four workshops between 28 June and 5 July for prospective candidates in this year’s local government elections.
“This is an opportunity for people interested in standing in the 2022 elections to learn more about the nomination and election processes and the roles of councils and elected members. It’s also a chance to have any questions answered,” says Council Chief Executive David Ward.
Candidate workshops will be held from 7 to 8.30pm at the following dates and locations:
- Tuesday 28th June: West Melton Community and Recreation Centre;
- Wednesday 29th June: Darfield Recreation Centre;
- Thursday 30th June: Council offices in Rolleston; and
- Tuesday 5th July: Leeston Library.
“We are encouraging anyone who wants to make a difference in the local community to take a stand. Local government and local democracy are fundamental to our community and we need a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to represent the diversity of our community.”
In the 2022 local elections 10 councillors will be elected across four wards: Ellesmere (2), Malvern (2), Rolleston (3) and Springs (3).
Five community board members will be elected to the Malvern Community Board, in three subdivisions – Hawkins (2), Tawera (1) and West Melton (2). The Mayor is elected ‘at large’ across the district.
Find more information on the Selwyn District Council local elections. You can also contact Selwyn’s electoral officer (electoral.officer[at]selwyn.govt.nz).
Waimakariri District Council elections
In the 2022 elections 10 councillors and 24 community board members for four community boards across three wards will be elected.
The Council’s Electoral Officer is holding a candidate information session on Tuesday 26th July. This session is for persons considering taking the step towards standing in the election and seeking an insight into what's involved with election rules, as well as what it means to become an elected member.
Date: Tuesday 26th July 2022.
Time: 6pm.
Location: Waimakariri District Council Chambers (215 High Street, Rangiora).
Find more information on the Waimakariri District Council local elections.