Nominations for candidates seeking election as a Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor for the Mauao Maori constituency will close at 12pm on Monday, February 13.

Electoral Officer Robyn Garrett says the sad passing of Councillor Awanui Black last year created an extraordinary vacancy, and a by-election is required to re-fill it.

'To be eligible, fully completed nomination forms, accompanied by the nomination fee, must be delivered to me at one of Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Tauranga (87 First Ave) or Whakatane (5 Quay St) offices, no later than the closing date.

'If more than one nomination is received, voting packs will be sent by mail to voters on the Mauao Maori electoral roll during March. The by-election will be held from March 20 to April 11.”

Nomination criteria, forms and further information are available at www.boprc.govt.nz/byelection or by contacting the Electoral Officer, via phone 0800 884 881 ext 8376 or email [email protected].

Only voters registered on the Maori electoral roll in the Mauao Maori constituency will be eligible to vote in the April 2017 by-election. The Mauao Maori constituency extends from the top of the Kaimai Mamaku ranges to Waihi Beach and Otamarakau, including Katikati, Tauranga, Matakana, Te Puke, Maketu, Pongakawa and the surrounding areas.