Nominations opened on Monday for Whakatāne District Council’s community board by-elections happening early next year in Murupara and Tāneatua.

The by-elections follow insufficient nominations in the local government elections that concluded on October 11.

While Murupara Community Board had just enough candidates to cover the vacancies, one position remained vacant in its Galatea-Waiōhau subdivision due to Jesse Morgan-Ranui winning the Toi ki Uta Māori Ward seat on council.

Three positions are unfilled on the Tāneatua Community Board.

Community board members are intended to represent local interests and help shape the future of

the district.

Governance services manager Chirese Viljoen said community boards were “the voice of our neighbourhoods”.

“Serving on a board is an opportunity to make a real difference by advocating for local priorities and helping shape decisions that matter to your community.”

Nomination forms are available from the Civic Centre at 14 Commerce Street, Whakatāne, and the Murupara Service Centre in Civic Square, Murupara.

Nominations close at 12 noon on Monday, December 22.

Visit whakatane.govt.nz for further information, including candidate eligibility and nomination requirements.