Surge in nominations for local elections

There's been an influx of last minute nominations for the Auckland local elections, as the final day for submissions draws closer.

According to Auckland Council, 111 nominations were received this week alone - the final week for people to put their hand up for council.

The first week of nominations, only 14 were received.

As of July 30, a total of 258 nominations have been received for the mayor, councillor and local body member positions.

Nomination submissions close at midday on Friday.

Council's Governance and Engagement general manager Lou-Ann Ballantyne said she was delighted with this progress.

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“The number of nominations received so far is a really good sign," Ballantyne said.

"We are rapt to see candidates getting in early and there is healthy competition among some wards and local board areas already."

In the 2022 local elections, 467 nominations were received after four weeks of submissions.

Ballantyne said this year's numbers could potentially exceed that, if the last minute surge continued.

“These are Aucklanders stepping up and committing to voters in a bid to help communities be heard and make Tāmaki Makaurau an even better place to live, work and play in.

"It’s a big ask so we’re really grateful so many are putting their hand up."

More nominations have been received online, with 65% submitting, and 25% received on paper.

So far, nine nominations have been received for mayor, including Wayne Brown who is running for re-election, and Whau councillor Kerrin Leoni.

“The more candidates who stand for election, the greater the opportunity to reflect Auckland’s rich diversity—ensuring our communities see themselves represented in those seeking to lead.

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“We’re looking forward to seeing the full list of candidates after nominations close on Friday 1 August so that voters can get an early start on finding out who they might vote for."

There are 172 seats to be contested in the Auckland elections, with 21 local boards made up of five to 11 members, 20 ward councillors and the mayor.

To be nominated, candidates need to be New Zealand citizens, 18 years of age or over and on the New Zealand electoral roll.

Their nomination form needs to have signatures from two voters registered in the area where they are standing, and a deposit of $200 (this is refunded if they poll greater than 25 per cent of the lowest successful candidate).

A preliminary list of candidates received will be announced on Friday evening, and a final list of confirmed candidates announced on August 4.

Candidate profiles will be available from September 1 so voters can learn more about candidates and their priorities for Tāmaki Makaurau prior to voting, which opens on September 9.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.