Latest news with #Pre-electionReport
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
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Council Report A ‘must-read' Ahead Of Local Election
Hamilton Kirikiriroa is at a crossroads – and the decisions made in the next three years will shape our city for generations. With nominations opening tomorrow (Friday 4 July 2025) for the Hamilton City Council election, Chief Executive Lance Vervoort has released his Pre-election Report: a frank and open look at the challenges and opportunities facing our fast-growing city. Prepared independently of Elected Members, the report outlines Council's financial position, key upcoming projects, and the significant challenges ahead – from waters reform and rapid urban growth to maintaining financial stability and shaping the future of Council and Hamilton Kirikiriroa. Aspiring councillors will also need to respond to a wave of central government reforms, build strong relationships with iwi and partner organisations, and strengthen public trust and confidence in Council. Vervoort encourages both Council candidates and residents to read the Pre-election Report. 'This report is for everyone who wants to understand how our city works and where it's heading. 'We need leaders who understand the challenges facing our city and who have a clear vision for Hamilton Kirikiriroa. Costs are rising, government reforms are rolling in and our newly elected members will have to make hard choices that will impact our city for years to come. 'I hope we see a strong field of candidates and that the election debates are grounded in facts, not fiction.' Nominations for Council's Mayor and 14 Councillor positions open this Friday and close at midday on Friday 1 August. Alongside the local election, Council will also be holding a binding poll asking voters if they want to keep or remove the city's Maaori ward. Vervoort expects the Maaori Ward Poll and strong campaigns by aspiring candidates will drive up voter turnout. In 2022, just 29.4% of eligible Hamiltonians cast a vote in the local election. 'Of course I would like voter turnout to be above 60%. But if we can get close to 40%, I would see that as a win. Council provides significant infrastructure and services that our residents use every day. People owe it to themselves to have a say in who leads our city.' Those wanting to update their details or enrol are being urged to head online to Residents who enrol or update their address after 1 August 2025, won't get their voting papers by mail. Instead, they'll need to contact Council's Electoral Officer. Hard copies of the Pre-election Report will be available to view from Council's reception at 260 Anglesea Street, or any branch of Hamilton City Libraries.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Mission Briefing: Horowhenua District Council Releases Pre-Election Report
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to dive into the Local Election this October as a candidate or a voter armed with all the knowledge you need to feel suitably informed. Luckily, Horowhenua District Council's Pre-election Report, which is now available online, is the perfect mission briefing. Think of the report as the Alfred to your Batman, the Kitt to your Knight Rider, the Jarvis to your Ironman – on hand to help you navigate this year's election and beyond. In this year's election, community members will choose the Mayor and Councillors for the next three years, and those in the Foxton area will elect the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board. There is also a binding referendum being held concurrently, which will decide whether the Māori Ward is retained from the 2028 local election. In the report, Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says Council is not just a building, a logo, or faceless bureaucracy. It's made up of real people who have put their hands up to serve this community because they care about its future. 'The Mayor and 12 Councillors are elected to lead, but more importantly, to serve. They carry the responsibility on behalf of the estimated 38,200 people who call Horowhenua home today, and for the generations still to come,' she says. 'For many, Council might be experienced through a rates invoice, a consent application, or when something has gone wrong. And yes, we don't always get it right. But behind every decision, every service and every project, is a team of people working hard to make a positive difference.' Those considering standing for Council should understand the nature of the responsibility. It's not about visibility or recognition. It's about contribution. It's about making decisions that improve people's lives, often in quiet and practical ways, and staying focused on what matters for the future. The next Council term will be one of the most significant in the district's recent history. Council will be required to navigate major reform programmes led by Central Government, including changes to water services, the Resource Management Act and the very structure of local government. These are fundamental changes that will affect how services are delivered, how they are funded and how our communities develop. At the same time, Council is progressing transformational local projects. The next Council will help lead through three of the five years of Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway construction, shape the future of the Levin Town Centre, oversee significant wastewater upgrades and more. These are long-term investments that will shape the heart and function of the district for decades to come. 'Council's role is to see the big picture, listen to many voices and lead with collective purpose. That requires open minds, clear values, robust debate, and a shared commitment to serve,' Mrs Davidson says. The Pre-election Report describes who we are as a district, Council's overarching vision of enabling what matters for its community, achievements in the last three years, preparing for the future, the challenges to overcome, major projects, and financials. You can find out more about standing for Council and read the full Pre-election Report at The 2025 Local Body Election – Key dates Tuesday 9 September 2025: Voting documents posted out, voting opens Saturday 11 October 2025: Voting closes at 12 noon Thursday 16 October – Sunday 19 October 2025: Declaration of final results. Stand for something. Stand for Council. Don't just dream. Vote to be heard.
