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Scoop
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
QLDC Takes Democracy To New Heights With ‘The Highest Vote' Campaign As 2025 Election Nominations Open
Nominations for the 2025 local elections are now open, offering Queenstown Lakes residents the opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of their district. Queenstown Lakes District is taking democracy to new heights with the launch of its 2025 local election campaign, The Highest Vote, coinciding with the opening of nominations today. Eligible residents are invited to stand for election as Mayor, Councillor, or Community Board member ahead of the election on Saturday, 11 October 2025. To stand for election, candidates must be enrolled voters and nominated by two voters from the area they wish to represent. Queenstown Lakes District Council encourages people of all backgrounds to consider standing, no prior experience needed. 'How our district moves forward involves everyone who lives here, so it's important that our elected officials reflect the values and ideas of our diverse community. Now is a great time to learn more about the challenges and rewards, either for yourself or for friends and family who you think would make great local leaders,' said Mike Theelen, QLDC Chief Executive. Adding a uniquely Queenstown Lakes twist to this year's local elections, The Highest Vote campaign invites voters to take part in democracy at new heights. Special high-altitude ballot boxes will be available at Cardrona Alpine Resort's ticketing office (1,670m) and Treble Cone's ticketing area (1,260m), hosted by RealNZ, offering a one-of-a-kind way to vote while soaking in the district's stunning alpine surrounds. Queenstown Lakes District Council will also host a one-day voting box at the Crown Range lookout on Friday 10 October, giving people the chance to cast their vote at one of the country's most scenic spots. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading Residents who prefer to vote closer to home can do so by post or at voting boxes located throughout the district. A map of voting locations and further information will be available on the QLDC website. In 2022, 43.05% of eligible voters in the district cast their ballots. This year, The Highest Vote campaign aims to surpass the national average voter turnout of 44.5%. 'Voting isn't just about ticking a box, it's about showing how much we all care about the future of our environment and our community,' said Mr. Theelen. 'Turnout here in our last local election was 43%. This time we're setting our sights higher, both to exceed this and top the national average which was 44.5% in 2022.' The QLDC website provides information on who can stand for election, how to get nominated, and how to campaign when the time comes. It also includes resources explaining what being an elected member involves, along with the roles and responsibilities of local government in Aotearoa New Zealand. Key election dates: · Nominations for both Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board open on Friday, 4 July 2025 and close at 12:00pm on Friday, 1 August 2025. · Voting papers delivered: Tuesday, 9 September to Monday, 22 September 2025 · Voting period: Tuesday, 9 September to Saturday, 11 October 2025
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Care For Kāpiti, Stand For Council
Up for a challenge? Show you care for Kāpiti by standing for Kāpiti Coast District Council in this year's local elections. The Council is calling on those with the passion, dedication and energy to give back to the community and take the leap into local government. The candidate nomination period is open now for one mayor, two districtwide councillors, one Māori ward councillor, seven general ward councillors and 20 community board members. Completed nomination forms must be received by midday on 1 August 2025. Chief Executive Darren Edwards says being on Council or a Community Board is an exciting challenge and a genuine way of shaping the future of the Kāpiti Coast District. 'The most important quality that someone can bring to the Council table is that they care about this place and its people,' Mr Edwards says. 'Council mahi covers a huge range of issues so there is a lot to get your head around, there are tough decisions to weigh up and make, important relationships to build and, yes, quite a bit of reading. It's not an easy job but hopefully a rewarding one. 'If you've got that foundation of care, you can make a real difference to the future of our district. 'We need people from all walks of life and those people to be able to work together to make decisions in the best interests of the entire district. There's a whole lot of training available for those who get elected. Our message is don't be shy, care for Kāpiti and get involved.' Mr Edwards says a good place to start for those thinking about standing is Council's Pre-election Report, which provides a succinct overview of its recent past and a look ahead. This report is available to read online now. 'The Pre-election Report provides a summary of major projects and finances, and outlines the major challenges facing our district and the role of Council in addressing these. It's essential reading for those looking to stand and voters alike.' Like everyone, Council is facing significant cost pressures which must be balanced with the need to invest in building our future resilience. 'We're a growing community living in a coastal area – those two factors alone require us to think and plan carefully for the future,' Mr Edwards says. 'There are a host of other challenges – and opportunities – to consider as well. 'If you care for Kāpiti, work well with others and would like the opportunity to shape the future of our district, please think seriously about standing in this year's elections.' Visit to find nomination forms and the Pre-election Report. Nomination forms are also available from Council's Paraparaumu service centre. Key dates for local elections 2025 Enrol Enrol by 1 August - not enrolled by 1 August? You can still vote, but you need to enrol and cast a special vote. If you wish to be on the Māori roll in this year's election, please change rolls by 11 July at Stand Nominations open 4 July and close 1 August at noon exactly. Nominations can be done via our online portal, by downloading nominations forms, or picking them up from Council service centres or libraries. Completed forms need to be returned in person to Kāpiti Coast District Council's main office at 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu. Our electoral officer and Council staff will also be offering opportunities to hear from them directly at candidate information sessions in July, which will be held on the following dates: Online webinar Wednesday 9 July 2025, 5:30pm Please register through our website ahead of time to ensure you can access Zoom and our webinar when it starts The webinar will be recorded and added to our website 2-3 working days. In person, Paraparaumu (two sessions) Saturday 19 July 2025, 10am Saturday 19 July 2025, 2pm No need to register Council Chambers, Ground Floor 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu Vote
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Find Out What It Takes To Make The Big Decisions For New Plymouth District
It's almost time to take a stand with nominations for NPDC Mayor, Councillors and Community Boards opening 4 July. We're looking for people who can provide leadership, are not afraid to make the big decisions that will make a difference for the whole district, while also advocating for the interest of smaller communities and bring forward the views and aspirations of Māori to the council table. Those considering stepping up to stand for Mayor, Councillor or Community Board member can find out more about what's involved on our website ahead of nominations opening. Additionally, we are hosting a briefing on 5 July, which is a chance for prospective candidates to get information and ask questions, before making their decision to stand. What: Candidate information briefing When: Saturday, 5 July, 3-5pm Where: NPDC Council Chamber, Liardet Street, New Plymouth. Being an elected member can be incredibly rewarding but comes with big responsibility as you will help decide how rates are set, how ratepayers' money is spent and manage assets worth around $4 billion. If you want to find out more before taking a stand, go to Positions up for grabs are: Mayor Kaitake-Ngāmotu Ward (New Plymouth city to Ōkato) – six councillors Kōhanga Moa Ward (Inglewood and surrounding area) – one councillor. North Ward (Waitara up to Waitomo District Council border) – one councillor Te Purutanga Mauri Pūmanawa Māori ward – one councillor. Councillors at large (across the whole district) – five councillors. Clifton, Waitara, Puketapu Bell Block, Inglewood and Kaitake community boards – four board members each. For voters outside New Plymouth city. Fast Facts: Nominations to stand open 4 July and close midday 1 August Voting papers start being delivered from 9 September Voting closes midday Saturday 11 October This election, councils with Māori wards, including NPDC, will run a poll to decide if they will have Māori wards for future elections. Results will be legally-binding.
Scoop
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Enrol To Have Your Say On Who Makes The Big Decisions For Our District
If you want to have a say on who will set rates and make decisions on roads, rubbish and water services for New Plymouth district for the next three years – make sure your enrolment details are up to date. People who have moved house or turned 18 since in the past three years, will need to update their details on the electoral roll by 1 August. And if you want to switch between the Māori and General roll, you need to do that by 10 July. For New Plymouth District Council, there will be elections for: Mayor 14 Councillors 20 Community Board members. Whether you are a home owner or renter, the decisions our elected members make on things like rates, roads and rubbish services to playgrounds, parks, libraries and local facilities, impacts everyone. Additionally, there are also choices to make for positions on the Taranaki Regional Council and a poll on whether to retain our Māori ward for future elections. Go to to find out how to update your enrolment details or phone 0800 36 76 56. Fast facts Nominations to stand in this year's local election open 4 July and close midday 1 August Voting papers will start being delivered from 9 September with voting closing midday 11 October. In 2022 – 77 candidates put their hands up to stand for positions in our district. NPDC voter turnout for the last election was 45.1 per cent – just behind the 45.3 per cent for previous election but ahead of the national average of 40.4 per cent.
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
OneLIC's comprehensive rezoning plan divides Queens community
Some say new Long Island City development proposal doesn't go far enough Some say new Long Island City development proposal doesn't go far enough Some say new Long Island City development proposal doesn't go far enough When Daniel Taylor was a kid, he spent countless hours at a Queensbridge, Queens playground that no longer exists. "We literally almost lived in this park. I learned how to ride a bike, skate, everything," he said. Taylor likes what he hears about a development plan called OneLIC, which pledges to bring parks and better infrastructure to Long Island City. "This recent rezoning, I notice they are speaking about this space," he said. What OneLIC's redevelopment entails Council Member Julie Won says she's working with the Department of City Planning to deliver expanded waterfront access as part of OneLIC. In addition, she aims to convert DOT storage areas beneath the Queensboro Bridge into community spaces. "This is not the old warehouse industrial area of Long Island City like it used to be," she said. In rezoning for new construction, the DCP promises schools, sewers, and more than 4,000 units of affordable housing. Hundreds attended a joint Community Board 1 and 2 hearing at LaGuardia Community College on Wednesday, where supporters expressed eagerness for new housing as part of a more vibrant and livable Long Island City. "The OneLIC rezoning presents a rare opportunity for our community to receive much-needed investments in public space and arts and culture," MoMa PS1 director Connie Butler said. Some question the comprehensive plan But others insist OneLIC isn't what it seems. "I think, when it comes to who wins with this plan, only the developers win," Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston said. Members of the Western Queens Community Land Trust say the touted neighborhood improvements are not guaranteed. "A lot of us are starting to feel like those are just talking points and empty promises," Jenny Dubnau said. "This doesn't really seem to be a true comprehensive plan." They fear the proposal will greenlight more luxury towers with rent caps falling short of true affordability. "Market-rate housing makes it harder for everybody to live here, even if they do throw a few affordability crumbs," Memo Salazar said. Won says negotiations with DCP will continue. She expects to secure meaningful benefits for the community. Otherwise, she says, she will withhold her stamp of approval. "Until those needs are met, this project cannot move forward," she said. The public review process is expected to continue until the fall before a City Council vote. You can email Elle with Queens story ideas by CLICKING HERE.
