Tauranga by-election dates announced

Key dates have been announced for next year’s Tauranga City Council by-election. The by-election is being held in the city’s Otumoetai/Pyes Pa ward to find a replacement for former councillor Jako Abrie, who resigned earlier this month.

The first important date is 24 November, when nominations will open for candidates, and the people of Otumoetai/Pyes Pa will be encouraged to enrol to vote.

Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp said that, in practice, people could already visit the Electoral Commission’s website to check their enrolment details and enrol to vote.

“Most people will already be enrolled, as the same electoral roll was used for last month’s general election,” he said.

“If you’re not sure about your enrolment, I’d encourage you to visit the Electoral Commission’s website to make sure you’re able to have your say when voting starts.”

Also on November 24, nominations will open for people wishing to stand for council in the by-election.

 24 November  Public can enrol to vote

 Candidate nominations open

 22 December

 (midday) Electoral rolls close

 Candidate nominations close

 26 January Delivery of voting papers starts

 Special voting opens

 31 January Last day for delivery of voting papers

 17 February

 (midday) Election day

 17 February Progress results available as soon as practical after voting closes

 20 February       

  Declaration of final results (estimated date)

People can vote in the by-election only if they are enrolled in Otumoetai/Pyes Pa or pay rates on a property in the ward but live outside it.

The council’s web-page at www.tauranga.govt.nz/elections/ward-boundaries has a ward boundary map and a search tool to help people determine which ward they are in.

The by-election will be conducted by post using the same Single-Transferable Vote (STV) system used in last year’s city-wide election.

Any questions about the by-election can be directed to the Electoral Officer on 021 498 517.