Nominations flood in for North Canterbury elections

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Nominations have flooded in for North Canterbury’s local government elections.

While there has been a shortage of candidates nationwide, a last minute rush kept electoral officers busy in Hurunui and Waimakariri.

Hurunui mayor Marie Black has been re-elected unopposed, while her Waimakariri counterpart, Dan Gordon, has a challenger: Miles Stapylton-Smith, of Rangiora.

Black said the interest in this year’s local government elections in Hurunui was ‘‘wonderful’’.

“It’s wonderful to have such interest, particularly in the South Ward (around Amberley).”

She said she was delighted to have the opportunity to lead the district for second term.

“I think it’s sound recognition of the work we’ve done on behalf of residents to date.

“I’m looking forward to forming a new council, and taking on some of the challenges which are facing us.”

Deputy electoral officer Naomi Woodham said nominations had been “a slow trickle” until a late rush in the last few days, before nominations closed at 12pm on Friday.

“It just went a little bit nuts. It’s the busiest I’ve ever seen it.”

Woodham said one nomination was confirmed only 30 seconds before noon, after a nominee was found to be not on the electoral roll, and had to enrol quickly online.

The South Ward is leading the way with a whopping 10 nominations, and elections will be required in the East Ward and for the Cheviot Licensing Trust.
The West Ward and the Hanmer Springs Community Board have enough nominations to fill their vacancies without an election.

Four sitting councillors, Nicky Anderson, Mary Holloway, Geoff Shier and Michael Ward have not sought re-election, so there will be at least four new faces around the council table.

“I think we’ve had an exceptional team this term and I look forward to the next term,” Black said.

“We’ve had some retirements from councillors that have given two terms service and they will be missed, but it will be good to have some fresh voices.”

A last minute rush saw 25 nominations received before Friday’s 12pm deadline for the Waimakariri district’s local government elections.

Elections will be held for all positions across the district, including mayor.

In all, 80 candidates will compete for 35 available positions, including mayor, 10 councillors and 24 spots across four community boards.

Deputy electoral officer Sarah Nichols said she was pleased to see a high level of interest from candidates.

“It’s been great to see the increased interest from locals who are passionate about Waimakariri and want to serve their communities in this upcoming term.”

Gordon said seeing so many candidates standing was good for democracy.

Voting documents will be posted from September 16, with special voting available.

Election Day is on Saturday, October 8, with voting closing at 12pm.

Hurunui District Council nominations:

Mayor: Marie Black. (Elected unopposed)

West Ward (4 vacancies): Karen Armstrong, Ross Barnes, Tom Davies, David Hislop. (No election required)

East Ward (2 vacancies): Vincent Daly, Dean Eades, Gail Grant, Fiona Harris. (Election required)

South Ward (4 vacancies): Robbie Bruerton, Ken Chaney, Sharon Earl, Stewart Henry, Garry Jackson, Jonathan Kruse, Sharon Macarthy, Nic McPherson, Vanessa McPherson, Pauline White. (Election required)

Hanmer Springs Community Board (5 vacancies): Mary Holloway, Chris Hughey, Michael Malthus, Alice Stielow, Richard Tapper. (No election required.)

Cheviot Licensing Trust (6 vacancies): Stephen Coleman, Murray Crampton, Geoff Denton, Sue Harrison, Glen McNabb, Kait Murray, Kate Nicol, Kate Sims. (Election required)

Environment Canterbury North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke Regional Constituency: (2 vacancies) - Grant Edge, Shaun Lissington, Claire McKay, Rachel Vaughan. (Election required)

Waimakariri District Council:

Mayor: Dan Gordon, Miles Stapylton-Smith. (Election required)

Rangiora-Ashley Ward (4 vacancies): Joan Ward, Padi Nistala, Steve Wilkinson, Paul Williams, Robbie Brine, Gordon Malcolm, David Harnett, Jason Goldsworthy, wayne Linton, Stephanie Waterfield, Sam Fisher. (Election required)

Kaiapoi-Woodend Ward (4 vacancies): Philip Redmond, Brent Cairns, Neville Atkinson, Stephen Bell, Al Blackie, Sandra Stewart, Joel McLachlan, Tim Bartle, Shona Powell, Natalie Leary, Russell Keetley, Vicki Payne, Phil Shaw. (Election required)

Oxford-Ohoka Ward (3 vacancies): Tim Fulton, Niki Mealings, Colin Wightman, Thomas Robson, Cole Gillman. (Election required)

Oxford-Ohoka Community Board:

Ohoka-Swannanoa Subdivision (3 vacancies): Sarah Barkle, Jarrad Allen, Ray Harpue, Michelle Wilson, Julie Tapp. (Election required)

Oxford Subdivision (3 vacancies): Thomas Robson, Tim Fulton, Pete Merrifield, Mark Brown. (Election required)

Rangiora-Ashley Community Board:

Rangiora Subdivision (6 vacancies): Steve Wilkinson, Jim Gerard, Grant Harris, Murray Clarke, Burce McLaren, Liz McClure, Paul Williams, Robbie Brine, Jason Golsworthy, onique Fleming, Morris Harris, Kelly Bisset, Eve Mullins. (Election required)

Ashley Subdivision (2 vacancies): Kirstyn Barnett, Duncan Lundy, Ivan Campbell, Guy Porter. (Election required)

Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board (5 vacancies): Shayne Dear, Jackie Watson, Aaron Lovelace, Tracey Blair, Al Blackie, Hannelle van der Linde, Sandra Stewart, Tim Bartle, Natalie Leary, Russell Keetley, John Lee, Janet Morrison, George Smith. (Election required)

Woodend-Sefton Community Board (5 vacancies): Shona Powell, Rhonda Mather, Steven McMillan, Andrew Thompson, Mark Paterson, Rachel Clark, Vicki Payne, Ian Fong, Mathew Potter, Liam Quinn. (Election required)