By-election opens for BOPRC Mauao Maori seat

Former Bay of Plenty Regional Council Mauao Maori councillor Awanui Black, who died late last year. Photo/file

Nominations for candidates seeking election as a Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor for the Mauao Māori Constituency will open from next Monday.

A by-election for the constituency will be formally publicly notified on this date, with the by-election being held from March 20 to April 11.

The by-election is being held to fill a vacancy left by the sad passing of Councillor Awanui Black on November 30 last year.

Electoral officer Robyn Garrett said it was important to re-fil this seat so that Mauao Māori constituents can continue to have a voice on Council.

Nomination criteria, forms and further information will be available from next week at www.boprc.govt.nz/byelection or by contacting the Electoral Officer, phone 0800 884 881 ext 8376 or email elections@boprc.govt.nz.

Candidate nominations must be lodged with the Electoral Officer by 12 noon on Monday, February 13.

Only voters registered on the Māori electoral roll in the Mauao Māori constituency will be eligible to vote in the March 2017 by-election. The Mauao Māori constituency extends from the top of the Kaimai Mamaku ranges to Waihī Beach and Ōtamarākau, including Katikati, Tauranga, Matakana, Te Puke, Maketū, Pongakawa and the surrounding areas.

Mount Maunganui main beach. Photo/file