Make a difference by voting and standing in Local Elections 2019 – Nga Poti 2019

Did you know that in 2019 you can make a real difference to our Smart Little City? It's as easy as voting in the local body elections, or you can even represent your community as a candidate.

Voting

If you are enrolled to vote, then you can vote in the Local Elections 2019 via postal vote.

Can I vote? Yes you can, if you are 18 years of age or older, a NZ citizen or permanent resident and have lived in NZ continuously, at any time, for one year or more and have lived at your current address for more than one month.

How do I know if I am enrolled to vote? If you voted in the parliamentary elections, you are automatically enrolled on the local body residential roll at the address where you live. A confirmation card will be issued to all parliamentary electors during July 2019.

Any changes to the residential roll (e.g. change of address details) should be made at any NZ Post Shop, the Nelson Public Libraries, telephoning 0800 ENROL NOW (0800 367 656) or on the Electoral Commission website on elections.org.nz.

When are the Local Elections? Voting papers are sent out to enrolled voters from 20 September 2019. You have until 12 noon on Election Day 12 October 2019 to cast your vote.

How do I vote? You simply have to select the candidates you wish to vote for on your voting papers, seal your pre-paid envelope and put it in a post box (before 12 October). Or you can drop your voting papers off to Civic House, Nelson Libraries, or anywhere there is an official voting station.

What if I am a Nelson ratepayer who lives elsewhere? If you are on the parliamentary roll in one area and pay rates on a property in another area, you may be eligible to be enrolled on the non-resident ratepayer roll.

Be a candidate

Will you stand for the city you love? Being a Nelson City Council elected member is an opportunity for you to represent your community and guide how we shape and grow the Smart Little City.

Who can be a candidate? Elected members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, ethnicities and walks of life – parents, students, business people, or self-employed. You don't need any special qualifications, just a passion for your city.

I want to stand for Council, how do I do that? To be a candidate in the elections you must be nominated by two people and complete a nomination form yourself. Nomination forms will be available from 1 July and you can submit them between 19 July and 16 August 2019. You also need to pay a $200 deposit. 

Further information
If you have any questions or would like more information about standing for council in 2019, then email Nelson Council's Deputy Electoral Officer, mary.birch@ncc.govt.nz or go to the Nelson City Council website.