CANDIDATE HANDBOOK 2019 Local Government Elections - Palmerston North City Council
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2019 Local Government Elections CANDIDATE HANDBOOK Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 3
Contents
Ngā Ihirangi
Election Timetable
Te Wātaka Pōti 4
Election Issues
Ngā Take Pōti 5
Electoral Staff
Ngā Kaimahi Pōti 6
City Leaders Information
He Pārongo mā ngā Kaihautū ā-Rohe 7
Electoral Systems
Ngā Pūnaha Pōti 11
Electoral Roll
Te Rārangi Pōti 12
Candidate Eligibility
Te Māraurau o te Kaitono 13
Nominations
Te Tautapa 14
Candidate Withdrawals
Te Unu a te Kaitono 15
Candidate Profile Statements
Ngā Tauākī Kaitono 16
Campaigning, Council Resources and Social Media
Te Whakawhere Kaipōti, Ngā Rauemi a te Kaunihera me te Pāhopori 18
Hoardings
Ngā Tohu Whakatairanga 23
Voting and Processing of Votes
Te Pōti me te Whakarite i ngā Pōti 25
City Map
Ngā Mahere Rohe Pōti 27
APPENDICES | ĀPITIHANGA
1. Candidate Profile Statements 28
2. Return of Electoral Donations And Expenses 29
3. Electoral Expenses & Donations 30
4. Scrutineers 33
5. Appointment of Scrutineer 36
6. Election Offences 37
7. Post Election Programme 41
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained
in this booklet is accurate and consistent with the Local Electoral Act 2001 and its
amendments and regulations. Palmerston North City Council takes no responsibility
for any errors or omissions. It is recommended that candidates obtain a full copy of
the Act, which can be purchased from any Government Bookstore or viewed on-line at
www.legislation.govt.nz.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
4 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
Election Timetable
Te Wātaka Pōti
2019 Local Government Election Timetable
From 1 July (Monday) 2019 nomination documents available
15 July (Monday) Candidate Information Presentation – see details below
From 17 July (Wednesday) Public notice of election – Manawatu Standard and the Guardian
19 July (Friday) Nominations open, electoral roll open for inspection
16 August (Friday) Nominations close at 12 noon, electoral roll closes
From 21 August (Wednesday) Further public notice of election – Manawatu Standard and the Guardian
By 23 August (Friday) EO receives final electoral roll data
16 September (Monday) EO compiles and certifies final electoral roll
20 September (Friday) Enrolment Services letter sent to electors on unpublished roll
Delivery of ordinary voting documents starts
20 September (Friday)
Ordinary and special voting opens
20 September to 12 October Voting period
11 October (Friday) Last day for appointment of scrutineers - by 12 noon
Election Day – voting closes at 12 noon
12 October 2019 (Saturday)
Progress results available as soon as practicable after close of voting
12 – 17 October Official count – process special votes
Final results announced
17 October to 27 October Public notice of official declaration of election result – Manawatu Standard and the
(as soon as practicable) Guardian
(or as soon as practicable thereafter)
Return of election expense declaration forms
By 18 December (Wednesday)
(55 days after date of declaration of results)
Candidate Information Presentation
A presentation on standing for Council will be given in the Palmerston North City Council office, 32 The Square, Palmerston North at 7pm on
Monday 15 July. Items to be covered will include how the Council is structured, the role and responsibilities of elected representatives, the
skills required, anticipated time commitments and meeting schedules and an overview of the nomination and election processes.
For further information please contact John Annabell on (06) 3568199.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 5
Election Issues
Ngā Take Pōti
Elections will be held in October for the following issues: Population Statistics
Palmerston North City Council – (PNCC) City-wide Issue
Est Resident Population as at
(a) Election of the Mayor of Palmerston North City Council 30 June 2018
(b) Election of 15 Councillors elected at large (city-wide) i.e. there Mayoralty 88,700
is no separate ward structure.
Council – at large 88,700
Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Council
These elections will all be conducted by postal voting.
(Horizons) – (HRC)
Election of four (4) Councillors to represent the Palmerston North
constituency.
There is a separate candidate handbook for the HRC election
available from the HRC Electoral Officer. Please see the Electoral
Staff section for contact details.
MidCentral District Health Board – (MDHB)
Election of seven (7) Members for the MidCentral District Health
Board.
There are seven members to be elected at large across the DHB.
There is a separate candidate handbook for the DHB available
from the DHB Electoral Officer. Please see the Electoral Staff
section for contact details.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook 6 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 Electoral Staff Ngā Kaimahi Pōti Palmerston North City Council – (PNCC) Electoral Officer (EO) Warwick Lampp, electionz.com Ltd, PO Box 3138, CHRISTCHURCH 8140 Phone: 0800 300 126 Email: pncc@electionz.com Deputy Electoral Officer (DEO) John Annabell, Palmerston North City Council, Private Bag 11034, Manawatū Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442 Phone: (06) 356 8199 Email: elections@pncc.govt.nz Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Council (Horizons) – (HRC) Electoral Officer Craig Grant, Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Council (Horizons Regional Council), Private Bag 11025, Manawatū Mail Centre, PALMERSTON NORTH 4442 Phone: 0508 800 800 Email: craig.grant@horizons.govt.nz MidCentral District Health Board – (MDHB) Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp, electionz.com Ltd, PO Box 3138, CHRISTCHURCH 8140 Phone: 0800 666 048 Email: midcentraldhb@electionz.com
2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 7
City Leaders Information
He Pārongo mā ngā Kaihautū ā-Rohe
Members’ Remuneration Mayor & Councillors’ Responsibilities
The remuneration paid to the Mayor and Councillors for The following role description as identified by the Remuneration
Palmerston North City Council is determined by the Remuneration Authority in setting the elected members’ remuneration is a guide
Authority. The salaries set out in the table below will apply for the for what is expected.
period 19 October 2019 and ending 30 June 2020:
The Mayor
Office Annual Salary
The Mayor is elected by the district as a whole and, as one of
Mayor $152,500 the elected members, shares the same responsibilities as other
members of the Council. The Mayor also has the following roles:
Deputy Mayor
• presiding at Council meetings including ensuring the orderly
Councillor $43, 067 (minimum) conduct of business during meetings (as determined by
standing orders)
The Deputy Mayor and Committee Chairs, are paid additional • advocating on behalf of the community involving the
sums to recognise their responsibilities. The total pool promotion of the community and representation of its
amount, for Deputy Mayor and Councillors, as approved by the interests. Such advocacy will be most effective where it is
Remuneration Authority, is $778,568. These additional payments carried out with the knowledge and support of the Council;
will be made from the date their appointments are made, the • spokesperson for the Council
amounts to be determined following the elections. • ceremonial head of the Council
Apart from Resource Consent Hearings, and hearings associated • providing leadership and feedback to other elected members
with the District Plan Review, no meeting fees are payable. Fees on teamwork and chairing of committees
paid to members of the Hearings Committee, when hearing a
a matter under the Resource Management Act 1991, are set at • fulfilling the responsibilities of a Justice of the Peace (while
$100 per hour of hearing time for the Chairperson and $80 per the Mayor holds office)
hour of hearing time for other members. Payment can also be • providing leadership to the other members of the Council and
made for preparation time. the people of the area
The Mayor and Councillors are entitled to be reimbursed for • leading the development of the Council’s plans, policies, and
any travel and conference costs incurred for Council purposes, budgets for consideration by the members of the Council.
although this generally does not include a mileage allowance for
travelling to Council and Committee meetings from home. The Deputy Mayor
The Mayor is provided with a vehicle to enable him or her to The Mayor has the power to appoint the Deputy Mayor. The
carry out official duties. He or she may also use it for personal Deputy Mayor exercises the same roles as other elected
purposes, but in this case there would be an adjustment to the members, and if the Mayor is absent or incapacitated, the Deputy
Mayoral salary. The Mayoral salary shown above does not include Mayor must perform all of the responsibilities and duties, and
such an adjustment. may exercise the powers, of the Mayor (as summarised above).
Salaries and allowances are paid at intervals of every two weeks The Deputy Mayor may be removed from office by resolution of
and are subject to tax. the Council.
Councillor – Base role description
Tenure
October 2019 - October 2022
Primary Purpose
• To represent residents and other members of the Palmerston
North community,
• To set the strategic direction for the Palmerston North City
Council and determine policies consistent with that strategic
direction,
• To delegate the management and administration of the
Palmerston North City Council to the Chief Executive, and
• To monitor and evaluate the performance of Council against
its policies and plans.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
8 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
Functional Relationships Leadership and Accountability
• The Mayor • Ensures decisions are transparent and is aware of conflicts of
• Other Palmerston North City Council elected members interest
• Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team • Provides leadership and guidance to the community, working
to achieve identified outcomes for success and resilience
• Governance Team
• Actively engages in the Long Term and Annual Planning
• Community groups
processes, which identify Council’s proposed activities
• Palmerston North residents
• Reviews and adopts the Annual Report which provides
Other Relationships accountability to the community on progress against the Plans
• Palmerston North City Council staff Knowledge and Skills Required
• Councillors and staff from other Councils, regionally, nationally Quality decision making
and internationally.
• Informs themselves on matters at hand through reading the
Responsibilities relevant documentation, participating in workshops and
Decision making and governance discussion forums, and seeking appropriate advice
• Participates in the decision making processes that guide and • Makes good decisions based on a combination of staff
govern the affairs of the Council, considering all views equally advice, community views, wisdom, experience and informed
and accepting collective responsibility once a decision is made judgement
• Takes into account the well-being factors for each decision - • Takes a broad view, balancing considerations and conflicting
social, cultural, environmental and economic, for the benefit opinions while putting aside personal bias
of the Palmerston North community now in the future Political acumen and Leadership
• Ensures Council is fulfilling its regulatory functions in an • Understands the political environment as well as the
appropriate manner respective roles of the governing body and management
• Regularly reviews Council’s performance against its plans and • Puts energy and focus into the higher priorities
priorities Ethics, integrity and values
• Appoints the Chief Executive of Palmerston North City Council • Understands and upholds the code of conduct and relevant
Relationship and representation policies that guide appropriate behaviour for elected
• Works collaboratively with the Mayor of Palmerston North, members
other elected members, and other appointed representatives • Works respectfully with Council staff and others, and values
• Creates a strong positive working relationship with the Chief their roles
Executive and Executive Leadership Team • Maintains trust, keeping confidences and respecting the
• Engages in positive and meaningful ways with the community, confidentiality of information provided
and represents the interests of all the residents and ratepayers • Does not misrepresent him/herself or others for personal gain
of Palmerston North Cultural awareness
• Develops relationships with mana/ tāngata whenua, and • Understands and empathises with different people and
honours Council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi cultures within the Palmerston North community
the Treaty of Waitangi with specific regard to local Hapū
• Has an understanding of Council’s responsibilities under the
Settlement Claims Acts.
Treaty of Waitangi
• Actively participates in civic events including citizenship
Communication and engagement
ceremonies, civic award functions and other formal occasions
• Consults and engages with the whole community effectively
• Represents and promotes Council in a unified and dignified
way and avoids risks to Council’s reputation
• Works effectively with the media, as appropriate2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 9
Knowledge and understanding of Local Government Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Understands and complies with relevant legislation The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (the Act) is part of a
• Understands Council’s processes (such as decision-making reform package aimed at reducing the number of serious work-
and policy development) and knows how to influence these related injuries and deaths in New Zealand by at least 25 percent
appropriately by 2020. It came into force on 4 April 2016.
• Understands and abides by the Standing Orders The Act is a new way of thinking about health and safety for New
Resilience Zealand. The Act is designed to:
• Manages time, prioritising effectively and being flexible • Ensure everyone has a role to play
• Copes with the pressures of being in the public eye • Makes everyone’s responsibilities clear
Computer literacy • Focuses on managing risk
• Utilises computers and related technology as required, to • Requires those who create the risk to control the risk
carry out the role effectively • Requires businesses to engage with their workers and enable
them to participate on an ongoing basis
Workload
• Allows flexibility in managing health and safety risks.
The workload required to be an effective Councillor should not
be underestimated. A full day needs to be set aside each week For elected members, the most significant implication is the
for Council meetings, workshops, and briefings. This is currently introduction of the role of officer and the requirement for officers
a Monday although it could change. Another half day a week can to meet due diligence duties.
be required if Council business dictates it. Preparation for these What is an officer and what do they need to do?
activities can be time consuming. Councillors are also expected to An officer is a person who holds a very senior leadership position
attend a variety of events, both Council and community related, and has the ability to significantly influence the management of a
which are often in the evenings and weekends. business. At PNCC this includes elected members and the CE.
Proposed Post-election Induction Programm Officers must ensure the business is meeting its health and safety
The period immediately following the election is a particularly responsibilities by doing due diligence to ensure the business
busy one, with a number of briefings and workshops planned understands and manages its key risks. To do this officers must
to ensure elected members have a good understanding of their take reasonable steps to:
roles and responsibilities. Final responsibility for deciding the • Keep up to date knowledge of health and safety
content of the post-election programme rests with the new • Understand the operations of the business
Council. Immediately following the election, the programme is
referred to the incoming Mayor for his or her consideration. It is • Ensure and check that their business has appropriate
finalised quickly as it begins shortly after the election. A copy of resources and processes for health and safety.
the Proposed Post-election Induction Programme is attached as Elected members of a Council are not required to exercise due
Appendix 7. diligence over a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) providing
they are not an officer of that CCO e.g. an elected member will be
an officer of a CCO if they are on the Board of the CCO.
PNCC and elected members as officers under the Act
PNCC is proactively partnering with elected members to ensure
PNCC and its officers can meet their responsibilities under the Act.
Liabilities of officers under the Act
Under the Act there are a raft of offences that can be committed
which carry fines (which need to be paid in some cases by the
organisation and in some cases personally by the officer) and in
extreme cases even jail sentences. Elected members as officers
have an exemption under the Act from some of these offences.
Offences that elected members as officers can be liable for
include offences such as failure to comply with an improvement
notice. This can be a fine up to $50,000 for an individual or
$250,000 for a body corporate. Insurance is not available to cover
the cost of such fines.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
10 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
Members Interests Inaugural Meeting
Prospective candidates should be aware of the requirements of The successful candidates will take office on the day after the
the Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968. Electoral Officer gives his official notification of the result of the
Under Section 3 of the Act, elected members may not be election. However, no person is permitted to act as a member of
concerned or interested in contracts made by the Council the Council before making a declaration. This declaration will be
when payments made for the contracts entered into during a made at the inaugural meeting, which is expected to be held at
particular year exceed $25,000 including GST. That amount may 7pm on Thursday 31 October 2019. Newly elected members will
only be exceeded if the Council has either obtained the prior be contacted by staff with the key dates.
approval of the Audit Office or, in special circumstances, obtained The business to be conducted at that meeting will include:
retrospective approval. When payments exceed $25,000 or • The making and attesting of declarations required of the
any other approved amount, the elected member concerned is Mayor and Councillors.
automatically disqualified from office. He or she also commits an
• A general explanation of the Local Government Official
offence if they continue to act as a member.
Information and Meetings Act 1987 and other laws affecting
Under Section 6 of the Act, elected members may not discuss or elected members.
vote on any matter in which they have a pecuniary interest when
• The fixing of the date and time of the first ordinary meeting
it is being considered by the Council or a committee. Elected
of the Council, or the adoption of the schedule of ordinary
members failing to observe this prohibition commit an offence
meetings.
and can be prosecuted. Conviction leads to disqualification from
office. • Appointment of the Deputy Mayor.
When a matter is raised at a meeting of the Council or a If elected the declaration required to be made by the Mayor and
committee in which a member has a pecuniary interest, the Councillors is as follows:
member prohibited from voting or discussing the matter must Declaration by Mayor and Councillors
declare the pecuniary interest. The fact of that disclosure and
I declare that I will faithfully and impartially, and according to the
abstention from discussion and voting on it is also recorded in the
best of my skill and judgement, execute and perform, in the best
minutes. While it is not necessary to withdraw from the meeting,
interests of Palmerston North City, the powers, authorities, and
it is good practice to do so.
duties vested in or imposed upon me as Mayor (or as a member)
of the Palmerston North City Council by virtue of the Local
Government Act 2002, the Local Government Official Information
and Meetings Act 1987, or any other Act.
Pre-election Report
All Councils must prepare a pre-election report. The report is
prepared by the Chief Executive independently of the Mayor and
Councillors.
Section 99A of the Local Government Act 2002 sets out the
information that must be included in the report and its timing.
It includes information previously published in other Council
documents including long term plans, annual plans and annual
reports. As such the information reflects the policy and service
delivery direction of the current Council.
The pre-election report has a particular focus on how the Council
is performing financially, including the current financial position
and key spending issues over the coming years. It provides historic
information for the past three years, an overview of the current
election year and Council’s planned financial position for the
next three years. It also outlines Council’s broader financial goals,
which are included in its long term plan.
The pre-election report will be available from the Council’s
website from 2 August. Candidates are advised to read the report
when it becomes available.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 11
Electoral Systems
Ngā Pūnaha Pōti
Two electoral systems will be operating side by side for the 2019 Briefly, the STV electoral system consists of the following:
local government elections. These are: • Voters receive a single (transferable) vote irrespective of the
• Single Transferable Voting (STV). number of vacancies.
• First Past the Post (FPP) • Voters rank the candidates in order of preference, by writing a
Organisations using STV in 2019 are: “1” next to the name of their most preferred candidate, then
• Palmerston North City Council a “2” next to the name of the next preferred candidate and so
on.
• MidCentral District Health Board
• Voters can rank as few or as many candidates as they wish.
Organisations using FPP in 2019 are:
• To be elected, a candidate must reach a “quota” of votes,
• Horizons Regional Council which is based on the number of vacancies and the number of
valid votes.
• When votes are counted, all the first preferences are allocated
first.
• A candidate who reaches the quota first is elected. If there
is more than one vacancy, and a candidate gets more votes
than the quota, a proportion of each vote for that candidate
is transferred to the voter’s second preference. If, as a
result, another candidate gets more votes than the quota, a
proportion is transferred to the third preferences, and so on.
• If insufficient candidates reach the quota after the first
preferences are allocated and any surplus votes are
transferred, then the candidate who received the fewest votes
is eliminated and each vote for that candidate is transferred to
the voter’s second preference. This process is repeated until
enough candidates reach the quota to fill all the vacancies.
More information on STV can be accessed from the Department
of Internal Affairs website www.stv.org.nz.
Briefly, the FPP electoral system consists of the following:
• Electors vote by indicating their preferred candidate(s) with a
tick.
• Voters must not tick more than the number of places to be
filled.
• The candidate that receives the most votes is declared the
winner, regardless of the proportion of votes that candidate
obtained.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
12 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
Electoral Roll
Te Rārangi Pōti
The preliminary electoral roll will be compiled during July 2019. Information contained on the electoral roll is not available from
Copies of the preliminary electoral roll for the election will be the Electoral Officer in an electronic form.
available for public inspection from 8.30 am Friday 19 July 2019 to In limited circumstances, an electronic listing of resident electors
5pm Friday, 16 August 2019 at: is available from Electoral Services (provided the criteria of
• Civic Administration Building, 32 The Square (Customer section 114 of the Electoral Act 1993 is met). An application form
Service Centre) is required to be completed, and these are available upon request
• Central Library, 4 The Square (in the New Zealand and Pacific direct from Electoral Services. The contact person is Ben Cline on
Room) (04) 806 3560.
• Libraries at Ashhurst, Te Pātikitiki, Roslyn, Awapuni, Linton and
Mobile Library.
Any alterations to the residential roll, should be made:
• by completing the appropriate form at any Post Shop or
• by telephoning 0800 ENROLNOW (0800 367656) or
• by accessing the Electoral Enrolment Centre website on
www.elections.org.nz.
A hard copy of the preliminary electoral roll may be purchased
from the Electoral Officer for $100 plus GST (ratepayer roll
included).
The final electoral roll is produced once the preliminary electoral
roll closes on 16 August 2019. The final electoral roll is the
roll used for issuing voting papers. Copies of this roll may be
purchased as above.
Details appearing in the electoral roll are electors names
(surname, then first names) listed alphabetically, the qualifying
address, postal address, occupation and voting entitlements.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 13
Candidate Eligibility
Te Māraurau o te Kaitono
A candidate for local authority elections must be: Notes:
1. Enrolled on a parliamentary electoral roll somewhere in New i. Candidates for Mayor may also stand for Council if they wish
Zealand; and (and vice versa).
2. A New Zealand citizen (either by birth or naturalisation ii. Candidates are required to record on the nomination paper
ceremony) (Section 25, Local Electoral Act 2001). if they are standing for election in any other elections in New
Zealand.
Restrictions on candidates for local authority elections:
iii. Candidates need not necessarily be a resident or ratepayer of
a. A candidate may seek nomination for the positions of
Palmerston North City, but candidates are required to record
Mayor and/or Councillor of Palmerston North City but
on the nomination paper if they reside in the election area or
cannot also seek nomination for the Manawatu-Wanganui
not.
(Horizons) Regional Council. A candidate may stand for either
Palmerston North City Council or the Horizons Regional iv. Section 60 of the Local Electoral Act 2001 states:
Council but not both (Section 58 Local Electoral Act 2001). If the Electoral Officer receives advice before the close of
b. A candidate cannot be a person concerned or interested in nominations that a candidate is, or has become, incapable
contracts over $25,000 with the territorial local authority under any Act of holding the office for which he or she is a
(Section 3(1) Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968). candidate, that candidate’s nomination must be treated in all
This restriction is waived if prior approval from the Office of respects as if it had not been made.
the Auditor General is obtained. v. There are no longer restrictions applying specifically to Police
Further information from the Office of the Auditor General is employees wishing to stand in Council elections.
available on their website here: www.oag.govt.nz/2010/lamia For MDHB candidate eligibility please refer to the separate
Under the Act there are a number of exceptions to the candidate handbook for the MDHB, but a candidate for Mayor
disqualification rule in section 3. Certain types of contracts will and/or Council may also seek nomination to the MDHB.
not disqualify a candidate from election. A candidate who has
a contract that falls within any of the following categories will Evidence of NZ Citizenship
not be disqualified: It is now a requirement of the nomination process that all
• Before the election, all of the candidate’s obligations candidates provide evidence of their NZ citizenship.
(or candidate’s company’s obligations) in respect of the This is to be provided at the time of candidate nomination.
contract have been performed and the amount to be paid Acceptable evidence includes a copy of NZ Passport, NZ birth
by the Council has been fixed (whether or not it has been certificate, or NZ citizenship documentation.
paid); or
• Although the candidate’s obligations (or candidate’s
company’s obligations) under the contract have not been
performed before the election, the amount to be paid by
the Council is already fixed (subject to amendments and
additions as allowed for in the contract), whether or not it
has been paid; or
• Although the candidate’s obligations (or candidate’s
company’s obligations) under the contract have not been
performed before the election, either:
• The contract’s duration does not exceed 12 months; or
• The contract is relinquished (with the authority’s
consent) within a month of the candidate becoming
a member and before he or she starts to act as a
member.
Further information on application of these points should be
made with the Office of the Auditor General - at lamia@oag.
govt.nz or ph (04) 917 1500.
c. An employee of Palmerston North City Council who is elected
as Mayor or Councillor must resign from his/her position as
an employee of the Council before taking up his/her elected
position. (Section 41 (5) Local Government Act 2002).2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
14 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
Nominations
Te Tautapa
Nominations open on Friday 19 July 2019 and close at 12 noon on Affiliation
Friday 16 August 2019. The nomination paper provides for a party affiliation or other
Each candidate must be nominated on the official nomination designation.
paper available during normal office hours from the following Individual candidates not part of a political party may wish to
places: nominate their designation as “Independent” or leave as blank
• By phoning toll free number 0800 300 126 (if left blank, nothing will show alongside the name on the voting
• Palmerston North City Council’s offices at 32 The Square, paper).
Palmerston North A candidate requiring a specific party affiliation must have
• Or by phoning the Palmerston North City Council on authority to adopt the affiliation from the party concerned (i.e.
(06) 356 8199 a party letterhead or letter of consent are acceptable). This is a
• Or from Council’s web site www.pncc.govt.nz safety measure to avoid any illegal adoption of party affiliations.
No party affiliation or other designation that is offensive in nature
Completion of Nomination Paper or likely to confuse or mislead electors will be accepted.
Each nomination paper must have the consent of the candidate
and be nominated by two electors whose names appear on the Submitting the Nomination Documents
electoral roll for Palmerston North City Council. Nomination documents for Palmerston North City Council
A candidate cannot nominate himself/herself. elections can be lodged with the Deputy Electoral Officer at the
Palmerston North City Council office, 32 The Square, Palmerston
If a candidate is unable to sign the nomination paper (e.g.
North.
absent overseas), a letter of consent signed by the candidate is
acceptable to attach to the nomination paper. A scanned copy of a Palmerston North City Council’s office hours for lodgement
completed nomination paper will also be accepted, provided the are:
nomination deposit payment (or evidence thereof) is received in Mon - Fri 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, except on 16 August when 12 noon
time. is the cut-off time for lodgement.
• All nomination documents must be submitted at the same
Other Names time, i.e. nomination paper, candidate profile statement,
If a candidate is commonly known in the community by a slightly evidence of NZ citizenship, photo, and nomination deposit.
different name (e.g. Edward Smith is commonly known as Ted A nomination will not be accepted if any components are
Smith) and has been known by this name for at least the last six missing.
months (to the satisfaction of the Electoral Officer), the commonly • Nomination papers for the Manawatu-Whanganui (Horizons)
known name may appear on the voting paper. Regional Council elections are to be lodged at the Manawatu-
Whanganui (Horizons) Regional Council office, 11-15 Victoria
Titles Avenue (Private Bag 11025) Palmerston North. These
Titles (i.e. Dr, JP, Sir, Dame etc) are not permitted next to the nomination papers cannot be lodged with Palmerston North
candidate’s names on the voting paper or profile statement, but City Council.
can be included as part of the candidate’s 150 word profile text if • Nomination papers for the MidCentral DHB election are to
desired. be lodged with the MidCentral DHB Electoral Officer at the
Manawatu District Council office, 135 Manchester Street,
Residency in Area Feilding. These nomination papers cannot be lodged with
Palmerston North City Council.
A candidate must declare if they reside in the area of election or
not. This is shown at the top of the profile statement but does not Once lodged, nomination papers are checked to ensure the
count as part of the 150 word profile. candidate is eligible (name appears on a parliamentary roll) and
the nominators are two electors whose names appear on the
electoral roll for the city.
Standing in Other Elections in New
Should a nomination paper be lodged late on the morning
Zealand nominations close, and be incorrectly completed or ineligible
A candidate must declare if they are standing for any other nominators are provided, there may not be enough time
elections in New Zealand at these triennial elections. This is to correct the situation and the nomination paper could be
shown at the top of the profile statement but does not count as invalidated.
part of the 150 word profile.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 15
Candidate Details Cheque payments of nomination deposits will not be accepted.
Confirmed candidate details will be made available from the Payment can be made by online banking. Details for the
Council website. The details will be updated on a regular basis payment of the deposit by online banking are shown on page 2
throughout the nomination period and will include at least the of the nomination paper. If paying by online banking, evidence
candidate name and any affiliation claimed. of the transaction must be provided at the time the nomination
As soon as possible after nominations have closed a file of documents are submitted, i.e. a print out of the transaction
candidate contact details will be available for download from the receipt. The nomination paper also sets out the reference and
Council’s website. Candidates may be contacted by journalists, code details required for each online payment.
advertisers, pollsters and other groups interested in election Nomination papers, with the deposit, evidence of NZ citizenship,
matters. candidate profile statement and photograph, can be sent to the
Electoral Officer or Deputy Electoral Officer by mail or email,
Nomination Deposits but should they be received after the close of nominations, the
nomination is invalid.
Each nomination paper lodged, requires a deposit of $200
(including GST). If an election is required the deposit is refunded Nomination documents can be scanned as pdfs and emailed to
if the candidate polls greater than 25% of the lowest successful the EO, including evidence of the $200 deposit if made by online
candidate for each election issue. The deposit is also refunded if banking. Photos are to be scanned as jpgs.
no election is required. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure all
Payment of the nomination deposit can be made by cash, EFTPOS nomination documents are submitted together and that
or online banking. Should an online banking transaction be they are all correct.
dishonoured or declined, the nomination becomes invalid as the The lodgement of nomination documents should not be
deposit has not lawfully been made. If this occurs after the close left to the last minute.
of nominations, then the nomination is invalid and the candidate
will be withdrawn. Nominations close at 12 noon, Friday 16 August 2019.
Candidate Withdrawals
Te Unu a te Kaitono
A candidate can withdraw their nomination by application to
the Electoral Officer up to the close of nominations i.e. 12 noon,
Friday 16 August 2019.
Candidates cannot strategically or politically withdraw their
nomination once nominations have closed. Candidates may only
withdraw after the close of nominations for medical reasons, i.e.
incapacity.
A medical certificate must be provided for a withdrawal notice to
be accepted by the Electoral Officer. An application can be made
by a candidate or an agent on their behalf.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
16 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
Candidate Profile Statements
Ngā Tauākī Kaitono
The Local Electoral Act 2001 allows for candidate profile Translations
statements (CPS) of up to 150 words to be provided by each The following contact details are given for a translation company,
candidate with the completed nomination form. If an election for those candidates who are unable to prepare the translation
is required these are then collated by the Electoral Officer image themselves or do not know of anyone to do this for them:
and forwarded to electors in a booklet with the voting papers.
Refer also to the notes listed in Appendix 1 for word limits and Pacific International Translations (NZ) Ltd 4/203 Queen Street,
translation requirements. Auckland. Phone: 09 9135290 Fax: 09 9135291
Candidate profile statements should be provided electronically Email: info@pactrans.co.nz
via email or on a media device, in a MS Word document that has The translation service will provide the translations in the above
been spell checked. As the Electoral Officer could receive dozens format to meet the requirements of the printer, the cost of which
of profiles, consistent format of delivery and content is required is to be met by the candidate.
(refer to guidelines below).
Candidate profile statements are governed by Sections 61 and 62 Candidate Photos
of the Act. Candidates may also submit a recent (less than 12 months) colour
If the nomination forms are being personally delivered, a hard photograph for inclusion with the candidate profile statement in
copy format of the profile (preferably type-written) must be the booklet to accompany the voting papers. Photos should also
provided at the same time. be provided electronically, on a media device, or as an attachment
Format of Candidate Profile Statements to an email to the Electoral Officer.
The format requirements for profiles are: If hard copy photographs are provided, then two copies of each
photo should be provided with the candidate’s name clearly
The English text must be plain text, in paragraphs, with no special printed on the rear of each photograph (Care needs to be taken
formatting, i.e. when labelling hard copies of photos to ensure the photo image
• No bold, italic, underlining etc. is not damaged in the process). Photos will not be returned to
• No tabs candidates.
• No quote marks
• No accent marks (this restriction is in English text only) Format of Candidate Photos
• No bullet points Candidate photos are to be a head and shoulders shot only,
with nothing else in the photo, i.e. no hats, sunglasses, pets,
The profiles will be loaded into software provided by the printer external objects or impediments, or other people. They should
that will automatically apply the required font, type size, line be in colour. If necessary the Electoral Officer will crop the photo
spacings etc. If there is no profile statement or photo from a accordingly but the onus is on the candidate to provide a photo of
candidate, then “No Profile Statement and/or Photo provided.” the candidate only that complies with this format.
text or similar will be printed in the profile book.
Electronic copies of photos should be scanned as a jpeg at a
Any non-English candidate profile content must be supplied with minimum of 600 dpi.
the following formatting:
Any queries regarding the format of photos and profiles are to be
• Font - Times New Roman (or Equivalent) made to the Electoral Officer.
• Point Size - 9 point size, 11 point line spacing Note: The onus is on the candidate to ensure that all nomination
• No special formatting of text – e.g. no bolding, no italics, no documents including the profile and photo are submitted to the
underlines, no quote marks, etc. Electoral Officer by 12 noon on Friday 16 August 2019.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 17
Correctness of Profile Statements
The candidate is responsible for ensuring that the candidate
profile statement contains correct grammar, spelling, punctuation,
etc. The Electoral Officer may make corrections to the statement
without affecting content but accepts no responsibility to make
any correction. The candidate should ensure the statement is
correct when submitted and not expect any corrections to be so
made.
The Electoral Officer is not required to verify or investigate any
information included in a candidate profile statement.
The Electoral Officer will take no responsibility for the accuracy
of the content. A disclaimer concerning the accuracy of the
information contained in the statements will be published in the
profile statement booklet.
If the profile statement or photo does not comply with the
legislative requirements, the Electoral Officer will as soon as
practicable, return the statement to the candidate and specify
his/her concerns and the reasons therefore. The candidate will
then have up to three (3) days to submit an amended candidate
profile statement to the Electoral Officer.
A candidate is to be treated as having failed to provide a
candidate profile statement, if the candidate:
• fails to submit an amended candidate profile statement within
the requested period, or
• submits an amended candidate profile statement that, in the
opinion of the Electoral Officer, does not comply with the
requirements.
Where the Electoral Officer is not satisfied that the candidate
profile statement complies and cannot reach agreement with
the candidate within the period specified, but the candidate has
submitted a suitable photograph, the Electoral Officer will act as
if the written part of the statement was never received but still
publish the photograph in the candidate profile booklet to be
included with the voting paper sent to each elector, as well as a
message to the effect that a statement was not supplied.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
18 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
Campaigning, Council Resources and
Social Media
Te Whakawhere Kaipōti, Ngā Rauemi a te
Kaunihera me te Pāhopori
Election campaigning can commence anytime but should cease by Advertising Standards Code for Campaign
the close of voting day, ie 12 noon Saturday 12 October 2019. Material
There are generally no rules around conduct of campaigning by
Candidates are reminded to be socially responsible and truthful
candidates, although there are certain election offences, which
with the content of their campaign material. Campaign
are detailed for your information in this guide, see Appendix 6.
advertisements are subject to the Advertising Standards Authority
Please refer to them for your own protection.
(ASA) Code. Wherever facts are quoted, the Code is strict that
No election material can contain: the facts must be correct, however, where a person holds a
• any untrue statement defamatory of any candidate and broad view or opinion, the Code allows them to do so. The ASA
calculated to influence the vote of any elector. settles disputes during elections within two to three days, and
• an imitation voting paper which has the names of the take complaints from Electoral Officers and the public. The usual
candidates with any direction or indication as to the candidate penalty for breaches of the code is for the advertising to be
a person should vote for, or in any way contains such direction removed.
or indication likely to influence the voter. N.B. The cost of framing to hold up an election sign is not an item
Voting papers are not permitted to be collected from electors by of campaign expenditure.
candidates or their assistants. Each elector is required by law to
post or deliver his or her own voting paper to the Electoral Officer Campaign Expenditure Limits
or official voting box located at Palmerston North City Council, 32 Candidates have campaign expenditure limits and are required to
The Square, Palmerston North. file a return to the Electoral Officer after the election.
Campaign expenditure is all expenses relating to the campaign
Council Resources from the period 3 months before election day, i.e. all expenditure
Candidates are not permitted to use Council resources for from 12 July 2019 to 12 October 2019 plus any apportioned costs
campaigning purposes. Council resources includes but are not of any election campaigning carried out prior to 12 July 2019
limited to Council’s logo and branding, website, facebook page, (refer S.112 LEA 2001).
twitter account, any forms of social media, computers, email, If a candidate is standing for more than one position (e.g. Mayor
mobile phones, faxes, stationery, photocopiers, printers, stamps, and Councillor) then the higher limit applies (not both combined).
cars, meeting rooms and venues (except those available for public The campaign expenditure levels for Palmerston North City are:
hire).
1. Mayoralty and Council
Election Advertising and Authorisation on The total electoral expenses (inclusive of goods and services
Campaign Material tax) of a candidate must not exceed $50,000 if any local
government area over which the election is held has a
Election advertising, using any media, including social media,
population smaller than 99,999 and larger than 80,000.
must identify the person under whose authority they have been
produced, as per sections 113-115 of the Local Electoral Act 2001. The population of Palmerston North City is estimated to be
88,700 (Dept of Statistics - 2018).
This means that for posters, adverts, billboards, flyers, vehicle
signage, websites, Facebook pages etc, each advertising item Est Resident
must have a sentence at the bottom saying that it is authorised Expenditure Limit
City-wide Issues Population as at
by the candidate or agent, i.e. “Authorised by Joe Citizen, 20 Main (inc GST)
30 June 2018
St, Tinseltown.” This authorisation must be clearly visible on any
campaigning material including signs and billboards Mayoralty 88,700 $50,000
Please note: a physical address must be provided in any
Council (at large) 88,700 $50,000
authorisation text, i.e. it cannot be a PO Box, Private Bag or a
rural delivery number. There must be a reasonable expectation
that anyone wishing to discuss the advertising can do so with the
candidate or their agent at the address listed. The use of a Council
building address is not permitted in the authorisation address.2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019 19
(d) includes the cost of any printing or postage in respect of any
Local government area
Expenditure limit electoral activity, whether or not the expenses in respect of
population
the printing or postage are incurred by or on behalf of the
up to 4,999 $3,500 candidate; but
(e) does not include the expenses of operating a vehicle on which
5,000 – 9,999 $7,000
election advertising appears if that vehicle is used in good
10,000 – 19,999 $14,000 faith by the candidate as the candidate’s personal means of
transport; and
20,000 – 39,999 $20,000
(f) does not include expenses incurred by the candidate in
40,000 – 59,999 $30,000 preparing a candidate profile statement; and
(g) does not include the labour of any person that is provided to
60,000 – 79,999 $40,000 the candidate free of charge by that person; and
80,000 – 99,999 $50,000 (h) does not include the cost of any framework (other than a
commercial framework) that supports a hoarding on which an
100,000 – 149,999 $55,000 advertisement is displayed.
150,000 – 249,999 $60,000 Note – the $200 nomination deposit fee is not an electoral
expense.
250,000 – 999,999 $70,000
Definition of electoral donation
more than 1,000,000 a separate calculation applies
An electoral donation is a donation of money, goods or services
that is made for use in a candidate’s election campaign (section
103A LEA). Electoral donations and contributions to donations,
Return of Electoral Expenses of more than $1500 incl. GST are required to be declared in
Each candidate is required to keep a record of all campaign the candidate’s return of donations and expenses. A series of
election expenses, and must furnish a return to the Electoral donations made by one person that adds up to more than $1500
Officer within 55 days of the election result being declared, must also be declared. An electoral donation includes:
estimated to be no later than Wednesday 18 December 2019. • where a candidate is provided with goods or services free of
The return of electoral expenses and electoral donations form once charge that have a reasonable market value greater than $300
returned becomes a public document and can be inspected by any • where a candidate is provided with discounted goods or
person for a period of 7 years after receipt. The Electoral Officer services and the reasonable market value of the goods or
is required to make the expenditure return and any supporting services is greater than $300, the difference between the
documents available on Council’s website for seven years. contract or agreed price and the reasonable market value of
A model election expenses return form is attached as Appendix 2. those goods and services is a donation
The relevant sections of the Local Electoral Act 2001 on election • where a candidate sells over-valued goods or services, the
expenses is attached as Appendix 3. difference between the price paid and the reasonable market
Note: value is a donation, for example a fundraising auction or
1) Candidates are required to keep evidence of any election dinner.
expenses for amounts exceeding $200. The following are not candidate donations:
2) All candidates must submit a return of election expenses and • volunteer labour
donations form even if no expenses have been incurred or • goods or services provided free of charge to a candidate, or to
donations received. any person on the candidate’s behalf that have a reasonable
Candidate Expenses market value of $300 or less
Sec 104 of the Local Electoral Act lists the following definition of • money provided by the candidate for his or her own
electoral expenses, in relation to a candidate at an election,— campaign.
(a) Means expenses that are incurred by or on behalf of the If a person or organisation gives or pays for goods or services that
candidate in respect of any electoral activity; and would otherwise be candidate election expenses, the reasonable
(b) includes expenses that are incurred by or on behalf of the market value of those items, whatever their value, should be
candidate, before or after the applicable period before the recorded as an election expense. If the reasonable market
close of polling day, in respect of any electoral activity; and value of the items exceeds $300 it should also be recorded as a
donation.
(c) includes the reasonable market value of any materials applied
in respect of any electoral activity that are given to the
candidate or that are provided to the candidate free of charge
or below reasonable market value; and2019 Local Government Elections Candidate Handbook
20 Te Puka Aratohu Kaitono mō te Pōtitanga Mana ā-Rohe 2019
Donations made up of contributions Applicable period for donations
Donations to candidates can be made up of pooled funds There is no provision within the Local Electoral Act 2001 or
contributed by more than one person (referred to in the Act as it’s regulations specifying a period for recording or declaring
donations funded from contributions). These types of donations donations. On that basis, all qualifying donations contributed for
include, for example, campaign donations made through a use in a candidate’s election campaign for the 2019 triennial local
trust, or where there is a fundraising collection for a candidate’s body elections should be recorded and included in the candidate’s
campaign (section 103A LEA). The total proceeds of a collection return of election expenses and donations.
are treated as a donation under the Act. The person who collects
the money will normally be the donor. The individuals who Palmerston North City Council’s Social
contribute to the collection are contributors for the purposes
of the Act. If an electoral donation, other than an anonymous
Media Guidelines for Candidates
donation, is made up of contributions, the transmitter or donor Candidates must comply with the following guidelines for web
must tell the candidate: and social media use and presence related to campaigning.
• the name and address of the donor Things to be aware of:
• whether the donation is made up of contributions • Election advertising, using any media, including social media,
must identify the person under whose authority they have
• the total amount of individual contributions of $1500 or less
been produced, as per sections 113-115 of the Local Electoral
• in the case of individual contributions greater than $1500, the Act 2001. This means in your profile photo/bio, you must have
name, address, and contribution of each contributor. a statement saying that all content/images on your social
If the candidate knows, or has reasonable grounds to believe, that media channel is authorised by you or your agent. You must
the donor has failed to supply information about contributions, include a physical address in the authorisation statement (not
the whole donation must be returned to the donor. a PO Box, private bag or rural number), and you must not use
the Council’s main office address.
Transmitted donations
• The Council’s social media accounts (listed below), including
A donation can be made either directly by the donor to the
but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
candidate or indirectly by a transmitter who transmits a donation
and Neighbourly, are not permitted to be used as a
to the candidate on someone else’s behalf, for example via
communications channel by anyone (candidates or members
a lawyer’s trust fund. Any person who receives a candidate
of the public) for promotion, electioneering or campaigning.
donation on the candidate’s behalf must transmit it to the
This also applies to all social media accounts owned by
candidate within 10 working days. When transmitting a donation,
Council-controlled organisations.
the transmitter must tell the candidate:
• The Council’s social media accounts are constantly monitored
• that the donation is being transmitted on behalf of a donor
and any campaign related or electioneering content will be
• the name and address of the donor removed immediately.
• whether the donation is made up of contributions • If Palmerston North City Council already follows your public
• the total amount of contributions of $1500 or less social media accounts, please note you will be unfollowed 3
• in the case of contributions greater than $1500, the name, months prior to the election date. This protocol is in line with
address, and contribution of each contributor. the Local Electoral Act 2001.
Where a transmitter does not disclose the name and address • Any social media post – positive or negative – made by any
of the donor, the donation must be treated as an anonymous individual specifically relating to their own – or someone
donation (see below). else’s – nomination, intention to run for Council, or election
campaign, will be removed immediately.
Anonymous donations
• Candidates cannot reply to the Council’s social media posts
Candidates are not permitted to retain anonymous donations or share with a comment encouraging people to like or follow
exceeding $1500. An anonymous donation is a donation made their own social media accounts or any other electioneering
in such a way that the candidate who receives the donation tool. Any posts that do this will be removed immediately.
does not know the identity of the donor and could not, in the
• Candidates must not link their own social media accounts
circumstances, reasonably be expected to know the identity
(if they are used for campaigning purposes) to the Council’s
of the donor (section 103A LEA). If a candidate receives an
social media accounts.
anonymous donation greater than $1500, he or she may retain
$1500 of that donation. The balance of the donation must, within • Candidates cannot rate, review, check-in or tag the Council’s
20 working days of receipt, be paid to the Electoral Officer for social media channels.
payment into the general fund of the local authority. • The Council’s social media accounts will remain neutral.
Palmerston North City Council will promote elections and the
importance of voting but will not associate these posts with
any candidates.You can also read
