Another councillor fails citizenship test, forcing by-election

Seddon ward councillor Martin Hill is not a New Zealand citizen.

The Buller District Council announced today it will have to hold a by-election in the Seddon ward, after learning that councillor Martin Hill is not a New Zealand citizen.

Under the Electoral Act 2001, all nominees standing for election must be a New Zealand citizen and sign a declaration as part of the process.

Buller is the second council to face a by-election after it was revealed a councillor was not a citizen.

Whangarei District councillor Jayne Golightly was forced to resign after learning she was not a New Zealand citizen.

The Act does not require this to be checked or verified. However, sometimes checks are made.

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Under the Act the position becomes vacant immediately when any ineligibility is discovered and unless it is less than 12 months before the next election, a by-election must be held.

Mayor Garry Howard said in a statement: "This is most regrettable and not something I would like to see happen to anybody that is giving their time to serve the community".

"However, council must comply with the Act and council's electoral officer has a duty to act to follow the legal process.

"I have encouraged Martin to get his citizenship and to stand again. There is an expense to a by-election, but it is not legally possible to hold a position and await citizenship."

When he announced he was running in the election last year,Hill said he had lived in Buller for a decade.

It was not clear today how his ineligibility had come to light. It is understood he is English.

- Greymouth Star