The pre-election period for this year’s local body elections started on Friday 13th July. In a sign that the election period has started, Tony Whittaker, Chief Operating Officer at Waikato District Council has cautioned local politicians including Raglan Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson and Raglan Community Board Chair Bob MacLeod that they must immediately follow special Elected Members Protocols (EMPs).
The protocols are effectively immediately. ”
Tony Whittaker, WDC COO
The EMPs are in place to ensure both the Council and its elected members comply with electoral legislation and well-established guidance from the Office of the Auditor-General (AOG). Importantly, it ensures that the Council, its staff and resources are not used to advantage current elected members’ campaigns over other candidates.
In line with OAG guidance, the protocols are particularly pertinent through the pre-election period (started Friday, 12 July and continues until the election).
The Protocols are based on a standard template that many other councils are using.