If you are passionate about making a difference and want to help shape Hamilton’s future, now’s your chance to step up and file your nomination for City Council election.
Hamiltonians interested in standing in the Hamilton City Council election have until midday on Friday, 1 August to get their nomination papers in.
All you need is to deeply about Hamilton, be a thoughtful problem-solver, can strategise and skilled at bringing people together.
Those wanting to stand as a Councillor or for the Hamilton mayoralty, they must be a New Zealand citizen and be enrolled as a parliamentary elector. They also need to be nominated by two electors on Hamilton City Council’s three electoral rolls (east, west and/or Maaori ward).
Earlier this month, Chief Executive Lance Vervoort released his Pre-election Report, highlighting the big challenges and opportunities facing our fast-growing city − from managing rapid urban growth and waters reform to keeping Council’s finances on track and planning for the future.
“Strategic, long-term thinking is essential,” Vervoort said.
“We need leaders who understand the world we live in − locally and globally − and who can help guide Hamilton through change.”
ervoort said an ideal outcome would be for the city’s community to be reflected among its Elected Members.
“Hamilton Kirikiriroa is one of New Zealand’s most diverse cities. We need leaders who represent our people and bring a mix of professional backgrounds and lived experiences − from health and education to law, accountancy, business and community groups.
“When cultures and ethnicities are truly represented, they challenge the status quo, inspire new thinking, and offer fresh ways of leading that speak to the vibrant makeup of our city.
“Different perspectives make for better decisions.”
To learn more about standing for Council, what it means and the rules around elections, go to hamilton.govt.nz/stand.
Meanwhile, those desirous of becoming a candidate to sit at the decision-making table for Waikato Regional Council also have only up to 12 noon on 1 August to submit nominations. There are four seats from Hamilton and click here for more details.
