Nominations are open for candidates to stand in this year's elections for Environment Waikato.
There are 12 seats on EW's council - four in the Hamilton constituency, two in Waipa-King Country, and one each in Central Waikato, Matamata-Piako, North Waikato-Hauraki, South Waikato-Rotorua, Taupo and Thames-Coromandel.
EW's area of responsibility covers the widerWaikato region from the Bombay Hills in the north to Mt Ruapehu in the south, and from the mouth of the Waikato River to Mokau on the west coast, across to the Coromandel Peninsula on the east.
The region contains important electricity generation facilities and an internationally significant dairy sector.
It is also home to iconic natural features which are key tourist attractions, such as Lake Taupo and the mighty Waikato River.
Environment Waikato's responsibilities include:
Sustainable management of natural and physical resources, including pest control.
Planning regional growth and transport, and providing bus services.
Civil defence, emergency response, navigation safety, dam safety, flood management, erosion control and road safety.
EW's electoral officer Maureen Poole says anyone wishing to stand as a candidate for the regional council must get their nominations in by noon on August 20.
"Local government and local democracy are fundamental to our society, giving the opportunity for everyone's voice to be heard.
"The councillors take on a leadership role in the region representing the views of the community.
"Anyone over age 18 is eligible to stand for election as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the electoral roll," she says.
For further information on standing as a candidate contact Maureen Poole at Environment Waikato, freephone 0800 800 401 or from Environment Waikato's elections website ew.govt.nz/About-EW/Local-Authority-Elections-2010/.
Other details are at the elections portal at www.elections2010.co.nz and at www.lgnz.co.nz.
