By-election opportunity for community to have their say

On 6 July a by-election will be held to elect a new member to the Petone Community Board following the recent resignation of Mary Lochore.

Electoral Officer Stuart Duncan is encouraging enrolled voters in Petone to make the most of this opportunity to have their say.

“This is a chance for people to help shape the future of Petone by choosing someone to represent them and their community on the community board.”

A Preliminary Electoral Roll for the by-election can be inspected at Hutt City Council’s building on Laings Road during normal office hours until Tuesday 17 May.

Electors may enrol or amend their enrolment details on the Residential Electoral Roll by:

• Completing an enrolment form available at Post Shops
• Calling 0800 ENROL NOW (0800 36 76 56)
• Visiting the elections website (www.elections.org.nz)

Updates to the Preliminary Electoral Roll close at 5pm on 17 May.

Mr Duncan says while it is important a by-election is held to ensure a new board member is democratically elected, there are costs associated with this process.

It is estimated the full cost of the by-election will be just under $30,000 - around $10,000 to run the election and process votes received, with the issuing of public notices, printing voter packs and mailing costs principally making up the balance.