The lead-up to the local elections in October has officially begun, with nominations now open for seats on Council and the Methven Community Board.

There are exciting times ahead for those elected, as Council has a large work programme planned over the next few years, as well as dealing with a range of external issues impacting Council and the community.

It is the job of elected members to lead the Council and community through current issues, such as the Covid-19 pandemic recovery and climate change, as well as steering us through current and future Government reforms and infrastructure investment to provide for growth of our district, all the while in an environment of cost of living increases and the highest inflation rate since 1990.

Local authorities are having to adapt to new legislation and technology that changes the way we do business, and we are currently dealing with the reform of Three Waters and the Resource Management Act, and the Review into the Future of Local Government.

These reforms could dramatically change the traditional role and function of local government.

All of these, and the day-to-day operation of what is essentially a big business, makes for important and impactful work, and standing for Council is an opportunity to be a voice for the community in many decisions. And voting lets you elect people you believe in to deliver great outcomes for our future.

Our long term vision is for the Ashburton District to be the district of choice for lifestyle and opportunity - a place that people choose to live, work and play in. To achieve this, we need to provide great places in a healthy environment, welcome new people and ideas, and empower our community to guide our decisions.

We also need to foster a prosperous economy, based on innovation and opportunity.

Our decision-makers have this vision in mind and are always balancing increased demand for services against what is affordable for ratepayers - their experience and ties with the community help that process.

Successive councils have helped put the district in a good space and we are rated by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research as the sixth most desirable district to do business in and 12th for quality of life.

Our future Councillors will find the job both challenging and rewarding and our communities should be encouraging potential candidates with passion and a will to serve to consider standing.

If you want to know more about the nomination process, visit our website voteashburton.nz