Represent and support your Hanmer Springs community

There is a by-election underway, to fill an extraordinary vacancy on the Hanmer Springs Community Board. It serves as a great opportunity for a community-minded individual to join others in working for the betterment of the Hanmer Springs area.

It also serves as an opportunity to fill the well-respected shoes of the late Richard Tapper, who was a Board member until last month when he lost his battle with cancer on Saturday 13 April. Tapper was well known for publishing The Pinkie, a weekly newsletter thumbed by everyone in North Canterbury’s alpine town and its neighbours, as well as many holiday homeowners. His dedication for his community spanned wider than this, he was a pivotal figure around the Hanmer Springs Community Board table.

Are you interested in becoming a member of the Hanmer Springs Community Board? A Board member has no specific job description, however as a representative and leader of your community you will be involved in representing and acting as an advocate for the interests of the community.

Deputy Electoral Officer Naomi Woodham said the successfully elected Board member will consider and report on all matters referred by Council, or any matter of interest to the Board. They will maintain an overview of services provided by Council within the community.

“Board members need a passion for their community and a desire to see it do well,” said Woodham.

Nearly anyone can stand, as long as they are over the age of 18, a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the Parliamentary electoral roll.

Candidates don’t have to live in the Hanmer Springs area, but their nominators do.

Key information:

Nominations for this position opened on 2 May and close at midday on Thursday 30 May 2024. A nomination form and candidate information can be downloaded from www.hurunui.govt.nz, requested from a Hurunui District Council service centre, or from the electoral officer (see contact details below).

This by-election has been prompted by the passing of community board member Richard Tapper. Electoral legislation requires that if a vacancy arises on council or a community board more than twelve months before the next triennial election, an election must be held.

* Anthony Morton,Electoral Officer, PO Box 3138, Christchurch, 0800 666 048, iro@electionz.com

* Naomi Woodham, Deputy Electoral Officer, 66 Carters Road Amberley, 03 315 8400 or 029 7709151

naomi.woodham@hurunui.govt.nz