The local body Elections are held every three years and will be held on 13 October 2007. (Not to be confused with the general election [election of Prime Minister etc] which is to be held next year - 2008).
Any person who is a New Zealand citizen, and enrolled on the parliamentary electoral roll. You can check whether you are on the electoral roll by inspecting it at a library, or at your District or City Council offices.
You can download a form from our website.
You can collect a Candidate Information Pack from:
* Regional House Palmerston North
* Regional House Wanganui
* Service Centres at Marton, Taumarunui, Taihape, Woodville
* District and City Council offices in the Horizons region
* Or ring freephone 0508 800 800 to have one posted to you
This will include a nomination form, information on Horizons' Region, how to apply to become an Horizons Councillor, and other general information.
It consists of six constituencies, which are detailed on the constituency map on our website. A map is also included in the Candidate Information Pack.
Twelve Councillors represent the six constituencies and details are in the Candidate Information Handbook.
Nominations open on Friday 27 July, and close at 12 noon on Friday 24 August 2007. This time is strictly adhered to under law, and no nominations will be accepted after 12 noon on that date.
A sum of $200 is payable with your nomination (or before 12 noon on 24 August 2007). This will be refunded if you are elected, or if you obtain 25% of the votes.
To Regional House Palmerston North. Instructions are on the back of the nomination form. You must either hand-deliver this to the Electoral Officer at Regional House, 11-15 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North, or post to the Electoral Officer, Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Palmerston North.
Provisional and final results will be put on our website. Progress reports should start appearing from 5 pm on Saturday 13 October, with updates as they become available. Final results should be known around 17-19 October.
Key Dates
27 July - Nominations open
24 August - Nominations close at 12 noon
21-26 September - Voting papers delivered
13 October - Election Day
Mid October - Declaration of final results (expected about 17-19 October)
The maximum amount of your electoral expenses is governed by legislation. You will find details in the Candidate Information Handbook.
The elections are conducted by postal voting.
Voting papers will be delivered between 21 and 26 September.
Voting papers are organised by District and City Councils, and not by Horizons.
Be sure to complete your voting paper and post in plenty of time for your vote to be received before 12 noon on Saturday 13 October.
If you are going to be away between 21 September and 13 October and may not receive your voting paper, then contact your District or City Council Electoral Officer before you go and discuss your options with him/her.
If you have not received your voting paper by 27 September, then contact your District or City Council Electoral Officer.