There is less than a week to go until nominations for the new Auckland Council close.

Nominations must be lodged by midday on this Friday, 20 August.

As of today, some wards and local boards are still without candidates, although Auckland Council Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske anticipates a flurry of nominations this week, which will see all positions represented by candidates by the deadline.

At 5pm today, 160 nominations have been received for 170 vacancies – 11 mayoral candidates, 30 council candidates and 119 local board candidates.

In the Auckland Council, there will be 20 councillors representing 13 wards, and 149 local board members representing 21 local board areas.

“Auckland's local government elections in 2010 are dramatically different to any that have taken place before. Whether as a candidate, supporting a candidate or by voting, Aucklanders have the opportunity to take an active role in choosing the representatives who will help shape Auckland's future,” says Mr Ofsoske.

“Standing as a candidate in the 2010 elections for the Auckland Council and local boards is an exciting opportunity to become involved in Auckland's future in the most direct way possible.”

For information on nominations, councillor and local board member roles and responsibilities, see www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Official nomination papers are also available from and can be returned to the following locations, or by calling by telephoning (09) 973 5212 or 0800 922 822.

• The Electoral Office (Level 8, 92 Albert Street, Auckland)
• Franklin District Council (82 Manukau Road, Pukekohe) 
• Manukau City Council (31-33 Wiri Station Road, Manukau)
• North Shore City Council (Level 3, 1 The Strand, Takapuna)
• Papakura District Council (35 Coles Crescent, Papakura)
• Rodney District Council (Centreway Road, Orewa)
• Waitakere City Council (6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson)
• Great Barrier Service Centre - Claris, Great Barrier Island
• Helensville Service Centre - Commercial Road, Helensville
• Kumeu/Huapai Service Centre - State Highway 16, Huapai
• Waiheke Service Centre - 10 Belgium Street, Ostend, Waiheke Island
• Warkworth Service Centre - Baxter Street, Warkworth

Official nomination papers must be received no later than midday, Friday, 20 August.