Porirua City Council encourages voters to enrol ahead of by-election

Porirua City Council are encouraging voters to ensure they are enrolled ahead of a by-election in the Onepoto General Ward.

The seat was left vacant after the sudden death of councillor Mike Duncan, one of five councillors representing the ward, which covers the eastern and western areas of Porirua.

Due to his death, the council is legally required to hold a by-election to fill this vacancy.

Porirua's deputy electoral officer Jack Marshall said at this stage of the by-election process it was vital that potential voters made sure they were enrolled and for anyone thinking of standing to start preparing to put their name forward.

"We're entering a crucial period for Porirua and the wider region, with big issues such as amalgamation on the table, but there are also the important local decisions needing to be made by Porirua City Council's elected members each week," Marshall said.

"Mike is a big loss for our community, we will miss his experience and attention to detail around the council table. His replacement will have big shoes to fill but it's vital we have full representation in place to discuss, deliberate and make the decisions that are required for the future of our city."

Nomination documents can be found at the council front counter on Cobham Court; the Titahi Bay, Cannons Creek and central city libraries; or can be downloaded from the council's website.

Nominations open on 9 July and close on Thursday 6 August.

The election will be via postal vote, with delivery of voting papers starting on 14 September.

Votes must be returned by midday 16 October.