Five candidates will contest the upcoming Porirua City Council Onepoto General Ward by-election, with voters set to choose a new representative following the sudden passing of respected councillor Mike Duncan.
Nominations officially closed at midday today, with the following candidates confirmed in alphabetical order:
- Joanne Dow
- Caroline Mareko
- Zac Painting
- Siobhan Samuel
- Jess Te Huia
The successful candidate will fill the vacancy left by Councillor Duncan and join the council at a time when local government across New Zealand is facing significant reform.
Porirua City Council Deputy Electoral Officer Jack Marshall said the by-election will give Onepoto residents the opportunity to choose who will represent their community during an important period for the city’s future.
“Local government is in a time of great change. The new councillor will take part in critical decisions for the future of our city,” Marshall said.
He said voters will soon have the opportunity to learn more about each of the candidates before casting their ballots.
“We’ll be providing more information for voters in the coming weeks, with profiles of all candidates available on the Council’s website next week.”
Residents living within the Onepoto General Ward who are enrolled on the General Electoral Roll will be eligible to vote in the by-election.
Council is encouraging eligible residents to check their enrolment details as soon as possible.
People who enrol after nominations closed will still be able to participate but will need to cast a special vote. Further information about where and how to do this will be released closer to polling day.
Voting papers are expected to begin arriving in letterboxes from 14 September, with completed voting documents required to be received by the Electoral Officer no later than 12 noon on Friday, 16 October.
The by-election comes at a significant time for local government, as councils around the country continue to navigate proposed structural reforms, infrastructure challenges and growing pressure to deliver services while managing rising costs.
For Onepoto residents, the election offers an opportunity to help shape the future direction of both their community and Porirua City by selecting a councillor to represent their interests around the council table.
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