Postal voting papers for by-elections for the Ōhope Beach and Murupara Community Boards will be posted to eligible voters on Monday, 20 January.

Insufficient nominations in last year’s triennial local government elections left a vacant position representing the Murupara subdivision on the Murupara Community Board and three positions vacant on the Ōhope Beach Community Board. Nominations were called for those vacancies in December, with five nominations received for Ōhope and two for Murupara.

Candidates for the Ōhope Beach Board are Gary Ball, Bruce Jenkins, Steve Napier, Murray Thompson and Allan Tolley. Murupara subdivision candidates are Daryl Christie and Carolyn Meihana.

Voting in the by-elections will close at noon on Tuesday, 11 February. Votes can be returned by post or hand-delivered to a ballot box at one of the following locations:

• Whakatāne District Council Civic Centre, Commerce Street, Whakatāne
• Murupara Library and Service Centre, Civic Square, Murupara

Any electors who believe they are eligible to vote, but haven't received their voting papers by 23 January, are advised to contact the electoral office (0800 922 822) for a special vote, or call in to the Civic Centre or the Murupara Service Centre.