It’s vital there is a level playing field for anyone standing for Council at this year’s Local Elections.
That’s why, under the Local Electoral Act 2001 and in line with the guidelines put out by the Office of the Auditor General, there are strict rules in place to make sure that no candidate has an unfair advantage over the other during the pre-election period between 12 July and Election Day on 12 October.
Porirua City Council Manager Democratic Services, Lynlee Baily, says it’s important that everyone plays by the rules.
“If anyone is standing for Council, whether they’re a current Mayor or Councillor or a challenger to the current Mayor or Councillors, they’re not allowed to use any resources of Porirua City Council in their campaign,” she says.
Council staff also have a role to play and, to stick to the rules, won’t be sharing anything related to a candidate’s campaign on the Porirua City, Pātaka, Porirua Library and Te Rauparaha Arena Facebook pages, or through any other Council channels.
“This explains why you won’t be seeing as much from elected members as you usually do on our Facebook page, website or What’s Happening page in local newspapers.”
Ms Baily says Council staff will still communicate the “business as usual” activities of the Mayor and Councillors, but can’t promote anything that is potentially linked to their political election campaigns.
“It’s all about making sure the election is fair and all candidates have an equal chance at being elected,” she says.
“I am sure everyone in Porirua would like to see a well-contested and robust election, so I would urge all candidates and Council staff to stick to the rules.”
The Council website will feature details of all standing candidates, in an equal way, once nominations have closed and the final list of candidates is known.
Nominations for the positions of Mayor and 10 Councillors opened on 19 July and close on 16 August 2019.
For nomination forms, and more information on the election including how to stand for Council and how to enrol to vote, check out poriruacity.govt.nz.
6 Aug 2019
