Candidates confirmed for 2022 local government elections

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

Nominations have closed for the 2022 local government elections to be held on Saturday, 8 October.

There are three candidates for the Taupō District mayoralty this year – Christine Rankin, David Trewavas and Sean Wakelin.

There are 19 candidates standing for the seven seats in the Taupō ward, and four candidates for the single Tūrangi -Tongariro ward seat.

The new Te Papamārearea Māori ward has four candidates for voters on the Māori electoral roll to choose from, to fill two seats.

Two vacancies are to be filled automatically because the number of nominations received did not exceed the number of positions available.

These are the Mangakino-Pouakani ward vacancy where Kirsty Trueman will be elected unopposed and the Taupō East Rural ward vacancy where Kylie Leonard will also be elected unopposed.

Deputy electoral officer Shainey James says she is heartened by the number of candidates who have put their names forward this year.

“It’s encouraging to see how many people are invested in our district and want to contribute to their community by becoming a councillor.

“We are in for an exciting campaign period.”

Anyone who is currently enrolled can vote in the local government elections via postal vote. Voting papers will arrive in your mailbox between 16 to 21 September.

For those who have not yet enrolled, a special vote will need to be cast by contacting a Taupō District Council office for voting papers.

Voting papers need to be returned before voting closes at noon on 8 October.

A full list of candidates can be found at taupo.govt.nz/vote22

Key Election Dates:
- Friday 12 August - Nominations closed at 12 noon
- 16 to 21 September - Voting papers delivered
- Saturday 8 October - Election Day – voting closes 12 noon
- 13 to 19 October - Declaration of results