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08 July 2022, 2:46 PM
Horizons Regional Council is calling for candidates to stand and vote for Council in the 2022 local elections across the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.
Horizons Electoral Officer Craig Grant says Horizons is the trading name of the Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Council, which is tasked with the management of the natural resources across the Horowhenua, Palmerston North, Manawatū, Tararua, Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts. “In addition to monitoring and managing freshwater, biodiversity and biosecurity, Horizons provides critical flood protection and manages the region’s response to natural disasters, as well as plans public transport services and connected land transport networks across the region,” says Mr Grant. “Horizons recently adopted two new Māori constituencies, providing the opportunity to increase diversity at the council table and ensure Te Ao Māori can be intertwined with decision-making. “The role of Māori constituency councillors will be to represent people of Māori descent and bring forward Māori views and aspirations, however they also represent the entire community. “In addition to the two Māori constituencies, 12 will represent our general constituencies. These two new seats brings the total to 14 seats on Council. “It’s an exciting time to run for local government with a lot of central government policy reform requiring our attention. In addition to implementing national direction, our Council’s focus is on the priority areas of freshwater, climate change, biodiversity, and information and data in the years ahead. We also have significant work programmes in place for flood protection, land management, and improving water quality and native fish habitats. “Candidates can come from a range of backgrounds, and should have a passion for helping Council achieve its vision Tō tātou rohe – taiao ora, tangata ora, mauri ora / Our place – a healthy environment where people are thriving. If the future of our region is important to you then standing in the 2022 local elections should be too. Timeline for elections: