Dunedin City Council is encouraging people to step up and become a candidate in this year’s local body elections.
Nominations – including for the DCC and community board elections – are now open, and interested members of the public have until 12pm (midday) on Friday 1 August to get their paperwork in.
DCC Deputy Electoral Officer, Robyn Dillon says the upcoming elections are an important chance for people to step up and help guide the future direction of Ōtepoti Dunedin.
“If you care about our community and what we do around here, then stand for council,” said Ms Dillon.
“As a candidate, you will have the opportunity to present your vision for Ōtepoti Dunedin to the community, and, if successful, the chance to help guide our city forward over the next three years.”
As part of pre-election promotional efforts, the Council is also taking an innovative approach to encourage people to participate. Its new Stand advertising campaign challenges people who think they can do better to ‘put your money where your mouth is’ and stand for Council.
The video, developed in collaboration with Dunedin comedian, Harriet Moir (pictured), was launched on social media on Friday and has already been viewed more than 11,000 times.
“We’ll be rolling out more of these quirky, innovative challenges for people to step up as the nominations period continues, and we hope to see lots of candidates answering our call over the coming weeks,” said Ms Dillon.
To stand for election, candidates must be enrolled to vote and a New Zealand citizen by the close of the nomination period. Visit dunedin.govt.nz/stand for more details.
“Anyone needing to pick up or drop off a nomination form, or looking for assistance, is welcome to visit the Plaza Meeting Room on the ground floor of the Civic Centre (opposite the entry to the Customer Services reception) and we’ll be happy to help.”
“All voters should also make sure they are enrolled to vote. You have until 12 noon on 1 August to enrol, otherwise you will need to cast a special vote in person at one of our voting centres.
“So don’t forget – step up and take your chance to have a say in how our city works, grows and develops,” Ms Dillon said.
More information: www.dunedin.govt.nz/elections.
