Nominations in the Queenstown Lakes District Council by-election will open tomorrow (Tuesday).

The by-election must be held to fill a Wakatipu Ward vacancy, due to a councillor resignation.

The Wakatipu Ward includes Queenstown, Frankton, Kingston, Glenorchy, Dalefield and Lake Hayes. Wanaka and Arrowtown Wards are separate.

"We urge members of the public to consider putting their hand up for the position, which still carries a term of over two years," QLDC electoral officer Jo Schmelz said.

Nominations had to be in the hands of the electoral officer no later than 12 noon on Tuesday May 3, 2005.

"At the meeting of full Council last week it was determined that the election will take place under the First Past the Post electoral system. This will be a postal ballot, so people can expect to see their voting papers arrive in the mail from May 31," Miss Schmelz said.

People could vote and return their papers any time up until noon on the election day of Wednesday 22 June, via post or a drop off to the Queenstown Council office.

Individuals could be eligible to vote whether they were a resident or a non-residential ratepayer in the Wakatipu Ward. The electoral rolls and enrolment forms were now available at the Council office, libraries and the Wakatipu Post Shop. People could also check their enrolment details at www.elections.org.nz, which offered online enrolments.

"If anyone is unsure whether they are on the Wakatipu Ward rolls, they should check and ensure they don't miss the opportunity to vote," Miss Schmelz said.

Anyone interested in standing for the Council could contact Miss Schmelz at the Council for further information.

ENDS

For further information please contact Jo Schmelz 441 0499

By: Tamah