MEDIA RELEASE

All ready for local elections: get involved!

Friday 24 August 2007

With local elections only weeks away, “now is the time to learn about your local candidates and what they stand for,” says Mike Reid, Governance Manager, Local Government New Zealand.

After noon today all candidates will be confirmed for mayor, council, community board and district health board positions, and will be campaigning for your vote.

Approximately 93 percent of eligible voters are now enrolled to vote – close to 2.9 million voters will start to receive their personalized voting packs in the mail from 21 September. Papers have to be returned by Saturday 13 October.

“Councils are part of your everyday life. Everyone receives daily services from their council and people care about the state of their roads, whether their rubbish is picked up, or if their sports grounds are fit for playing sport, says Mr Reid. “Your vote is your chance to influence how these things are done.

“It’s not just the essential services that people care about – it’s also things like the regional economic strategy, the state of the environment, the quality of social and cultural events, and what your town, city or district offers your friends and families.

“Learn about the challenges of local councils by clicking on www.getmoreinvolved.co.nz and better yet, send it to your friends to increase their awareness of the local elections. This game is a fun way to remind everyone to get involved.

“This year we will also be targeting Year 9 students with Kidsvoting, giving them the opportunity to try an actual voting experience based on their local candidates, This is a joint local and central government project to get the next generation involved in the elections by encouraging the voting-habit early on,” says Mr Reid.

ENDS

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