Close of nominations brings 29 Candidates

Council’s Deputy Electoral Officer, Carol Gordon, advised that when nominations closed at midday today 29 candidates had put themselves forward for the local body elections being held on 8 October this year. “There was a last-minute influx of nominations which saw candidates be nominated for all vacancies in the district.”

The newly formed Māori wards each received one candidate so both these candidates will be elected unopposed. They are Tracey Piki Te Ora Hiroa for the Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) Ward; and Coral Raukawa for the Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Ward.

Four candidates have entered the Mayoral race, they are Quinton Murray Berrett, Dave Christison, Simon Loudon, and incumbent Andy Watson.

The Central Ward is being contested by eight candidates for five vacancies - Marilyn Craig; Fi Dalgety; Richard Lambert; Simon Loudon; Greg Maughan; Annie McDowell; Dave Wilson and Grant Wilson.

The Northern Ward received four candidates for two vacancies Owen Bonnor, Les Clarke, Gill Duncan and Jeff Wong.

There were two candidates for the two vacancies in the Southern Ward, therefore Jarrod Calkin and Brian Carter were elected unopposed.

The four candidates for the Rātana Community Board were also elected unopposed – they are Lequan Meihana, Charlie Mete, Jamie Nepia and Grace Joan Taiaroa.

Five candidates are contesting the four vacancies for the Taihape Community Board the candidates are Emma Abernethy, Les Clarke, Craig Dredge, Peter Kipling-Arthur and Gail Larsen.

Mr Peter Beggs, Chief Executive said, ““It is encouraging to see all Rangitīkei District Council seats meet or exceed the required number of candidates. I congratulate those candidates who have progressed unopposed, and look forward to high community interest in determining which of the other candidates are elected to Council.”

Full details for all the candidates is at - Who is standing in this election?