Race for mayoralty hottest ticket in town

Nominations closed midday Friday for the 2016 local body elections with a total of 447 candidates putting their hands up for the 170 positions, including 17 for the mayoralty.

There was a steady stream of last minute nominations as Aucklanders answered the call to stand for public office and lead our local democracy.

“I can confirm that I have received 447 nominations for this year’s local body elections compared with 470 in 2013 and 545 in 2010,” said Electoral Officer, Dale Ofsoske.

Mr Ofsoske said that 17 nominations have been received for the mayoralty, 69 for 20 ward councillor positions across 13 wards with the Franklin ward uncontested. Some 361candidates will vie for 149 positions across 21 local boards. In addition 72 nominations have been received for 21 members for three district health boards and 54 for 35 members for five Licensing Trusts. (A full list of candidates is attached.)

Voting documents will be delivered to Auckland’s one million and fifty thousand eligible voters from 16 September for the postal ballot which closes at noon on 8 October. The results will be declared on 13 October.

Auckland Council is encouraging residents to show their Love for Auckland by voting and lifting turnout.

In 2013 Auckland ranked near the bottom in New Zealand for voter turnout at local body elections with only 35.5 per cent of eligible voters turning out, compared with 51 per cent in 2010.

Surveys have found that the highest voter turnout is in the 70-plus age group (89 per cent) and lowest was in the 18-29 age group, at 34 per cent.

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