Nominations for candidates in the upcoming City Council elections are now open. If you have a vision for Tauranga and want to make sure your community's voice is heard then it's time to stand for Tauranga City Council.

Electoral Officer Warwick Lampp says it's time to translate your vision for the city into action plans.

Returning officer Warwick Lampp. Picture: Supplied.

'If you want to make the city stronger, grow the economy, and improve residents' quality of life, you should consider standing as a candidate in this year's election. We're seeking candidates of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds,” says Warwick.

The next local body elections will be held in October 2016. Voters will be electing 11 representatives - Mayor, four councillors at large (elected by the electors of the city as a whole) and two councillors for each of the following wards; Mount Maunganui-Papamoa Ward, Otumoetai-Bethlehem and Te Papa-Welcome Bay Ward.

To find out more about the role of the council and what it's like to be a city councillor, the council is holding a candidate information session on Monday, July 18 from 7pm in the council offices at 91 Willow Street. No pre-registration is required and prospective candidates are welcome to turn up on the day.

'The workshop will discuss what it takes to be a councillor. Candidates will learn more about local government functions, the rules for standing and campaigning for election, and the election process,” says Warwick.

Nominations close at noon on Friday August 12. Prospective candidates are being urged not to leave it until the last minute.

• To be eligible to stand, prospective nominees must be New Zealand citizens, over 18 years of age and on the electoral roll.
• Candidates don't have to live in the area in which they want to stand.
• A candidate cannot nominate themselves. Two people who are enrolled in the area or ward they want to stand in must nominate them.
• A nomination deposit of $200 is payable for each position candidates wish to contest.

The preliminary electoral roll of electors will be available for inspection from today. It's held by the Deputy Electoral Officer on the ground floor of the council offices at 91 Willow Street and is also available at all city libraries. The roll will remain open until 12pm, Friday August 12.

Tauranga residents and home-owners are also being reminded that they need to be enrolled to vote in the elections. If you own a home in Tauranga, but live outside of the area, you are eligible to vote.

'It's a good time to check if you are enrolled. Enrolment and updating any details is easy and can be done online on online,” says Warwick.

If you're not enrolled, you have to do so by 5pm on 12 August to receive a postal vote. If you enrol after this date you will have to contact the Electoral Officer to obtain a special vote during the voting period. Voting will take place by post between 16 September and 8 October 2016.

More information about the elections is available on the Council's website.