Last-minute rush as nominations close

Ross Barber is the last minute contester to be Palmerston North's mayor. Photo / Alecia Rousseau

Nominations have closed for local body elections, with several candidates putting their names forward at the last minute.

Horizons Regional Council has received 22 nominations for their 12 seats - meaning all except the Manawatu-Rangitikei constituency candidates will need votes to ensure their place.

There are 18 nominations for the Midcentral District Health Board, vying for seven seats.

The most contested race appears to be for the Palmerston North City Council. The council received 28 nominations for councillors, and a last-minute bid for mayor was also received on Friday from candidate Ross Barber.

Barber is representing Team God and said he would like to see less corruption in council. He and sitting mayor Grant Smith will be the only two running for mayor.

Candidate profiles will be published on each of the organisation's websites for the public to view. There will also be meet the candidates meetings, including one on Wednesday evening for the Palmerston North City Council.

The elections will be conducted by postal vote, with papers being sent out between September 16-21.

These must be returned no later than noon, October 8.

Local body elections will use the single transferable voting system and voters will be asked to rank candidates according to their preference.

PNCC Meet the Candidates (held at the Convention Centre):

August 17, 7pm: Meet the candidates meeting (mayor and councillors)
August 23, 12pm: Meet the mayoral candidates
August 29, 5pm to 7pm: Meet the candidates expo

Manawatu Guardian Election Policy:

The Manawatu Guardian aims to bring you the information you need to make an informed choice in the upcoming local elections.

We will be speaking with candidates, hearing your issues and asking the questions you want answered.

During the campaign period, no opinion columns or letters to the editor will be accepted from candidates and electioneering letters from supporters will not be accepted.

However, your letters on issues for voters will be welcome and we'd love to receive your election news tips and story ideas at alecia.rousseau@guardiannews.co.nz.