Auckland's local board elections: Who can run, candidate fees and key dates
Saturday, 10 August 2019
Almost anyone can nominate themselves to be on their local board, but what does it entail?
The local body elections take place every three years across the country. Kiwis will be voting on who should be their local board members, councillors and mayor.
There are 149 local board spots across Auckland up for grabs in the local elections, for which voting opens on September 20.
Those interested in being part of the local elections must submit forms by midday on August 16. Candidates will be announced on August 21.
**READ MORE:
* Auckland local body elections: How to vote, what you are voting on and key dates
* The creeping influence of party strategists at local body elections**
We've put together a list of things to consider for those interested in putting forward a nomination.
WHO CAN BE A CANDIDATE?
Those wanting to be on a local board must be a New Zealand citizen, on the electoral roll, over age 18 and have the written support of two people enrolled to vote in the area of the candidate's desired local board.
Candidates may nominate themselves for multiple local boards, but must advise Auckland Council which they would choose if elected.
WHO CAN'T BE A CANDIDATE?
Pretty much anyone can be a local board candidate, including journalists, politicians, gang members and homeless people, so long as they meet the requirements above, according to Election Services electoral officer Dale Ofsoske.
Those with criminal records may also be nominated, including paedophiles, people with assault charges and those who have completed lengthy prison sentences.
However, those in prison at the time of voting are not parliamentary electors and therefore cannot be nominated.
A candidate or their spouse must not be involved in contracts exceeding $25,000 with Auckland Council, and anyone who works at Auckland Council must resign if elected.
ARE THERE ANY CANDIDATE FEES?
Candidates must make a $200 deposit for each position they're nominated, a legal requirement under the Local Electoral Act 2001, Ofsoske said.
The deposit is refunded if the candidate gets more than 25 per cent of votes received by the lowest successful candidate, but the deposit is forfeited if the candidate gets less than 25 per cent of votes received by the lowest successful candidate.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN BEING ON A LOCAL BOARD?
Local board members are salaried at between $28,000 and $49,500 for about 12 to 24 hours work per week. Only the board chair position is considered full time (40 hours) and is remunerated with between $57,000 and $99,000.
Board members are responsible for local decision-making, developing plans, engaging with the community and media, maintaining facilities and proposing local bylaws and targeted rates.
There is no maximum number of terms a person can be on a local board for, but existing members must go through the candidate process to be re-elected.
Nominations close at noon on Friday, August 16.
Nominations are also open for people wanting to join district health boards and licensing trusts.
KEY ELECTION DATES
August 16 - Candidate nominations close at noon and electoral roll closes
August 21 - Candidates announced
September 20 - Voting opens
October 8 - Last day to post voting papers in the mail (but you can still post them in a ballot box)
October 12 - Voting closes at noon and progress results announced
October 17 - Official results are announced.