There are four candidates seeking appointment to the extraordinary vacancy on the Ōraka Aparima Community Board.

Nominations closed at midday today. The four candidates are Don Frew, Mel Heddershaw, Nick Kiddey, and Marina Seager.

As the number of nominations received exceeds the number of vacancies, a voting process is required. This will be conducted by postal voting using the first past the post (FPP) electoral system.

Voting will open on Friday 30 January and close at 12 noon on Tuesday 3 March 2026.

Enrolment and special voting arrangements

Residential electors within the Ōraka Aparima Community Board area who are not listed on the final electoral roll for this by-election can enrol or amend their enrolment details on the electoral roll on or before 4pm Monday 2 March 2026:

• online at www.vote.nz
• by texting their name and address to 3676 to get a form sent to them
• by calling 0800 36 76 56 to ask for a form to be sent to them
• by email request to [email protected]

Ōraka Aparima Community Board ratepayers who live outside the Ōraka Aparima Community Board area and who are not listed on the final electoral roll for this by-election can enrol on or before 4pm Monday 2 March 2026 by completing and returning a ratepayer enrolment form, available from the Southland District Council office or website.

Special voting facilities for the by-election will be available at the Southland District Council offices at 117 Palmerston Street, Riverton and 15 Forth Street, Invercargill during normal office hours between Friday 30 January and 12 noon on Tuesday 3 March 2026.