Candidate Information Day

Stratford district’s a diverse community and we need people with a wide range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences in council to help lead us through the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Elected members can come from all walks of life. If you’re a New Zealand citizen, registered to vote in Parliamentary elections, you’re 18 years old or older, and want your community’s voice to be represented around the table, consider standing for council.

At this session you'll hear from:

• Election Officer Dale Ofsoske
• Stratford District Council Chief Executive Sven Hanne
• And if you're interested in running for Taranaki Regional Council (TRC), there'll also be a presentation from TRC Director Corporate Services Mike Nield

It'll cover:

• How the organisations are structured
• The skills required, and the role and responsibilities of elected members
• The election process, including eligibility, nominations, timetable, induction process and remuneration

Bring your pātai (questions) about being a Councillor or Mayor.

Lunch will be included. You don't need to book. Just turn up on the day.

Nominations open on 4 July

• Local election candidate nominations open Friday 4 July 2025 and close at noon on Friday 1 August 2025
• You can run as a candidate in the Stratford Urban Ward, Rural Ward or Māori Ward, or as a Mayoral candidate