The great majority of local body candidates in the Far North seem happy to begin their careers, or continue them, by flouting a bylaw that all were made aware of two weeks ago, and most have ignored.
The bylaw prohibits the erection of election hoardings on council land, and evenpublic complaints have not had any effect.
Chief executive David Edmunds said local authorities generally exercised a degree of flexibility in the application of the rules regarding election hoardings, unless a sign constituted a traffic hazard. However, as a result of a number of complaints this year regarding hoardings, a letter was sent to all election candidates in the Far North on September 20, reminding them of the council's policy and the rules regarding roadside signage.
The council would now enforce the rules by removing hoardings that, by virtue of their location, were considered to constitute a "clear traffic hazard".
The majority of the signs to which umbrage had been taken were on state highways, over which the council has limited jurisdiction other than within speed zones of under 70km/h, Mr Edmunds said. In all other cases, complaints would be forwarded directly to the New Zealand Transport Agency.
"Given the degree of animosity the hoardings appear to have generated, the council will also look to review its policy before the 2016 elections," he added.
"Candidates should also be aware of their obligations under the Electoral Act regarding the removal of any election hoardings before election day on October 12."
