With Local Body Elections on the horizon, now's the time to make sure you're ready to vote, by enrolling or updating your details on the Electoral Commission’s vote.nz site. You can also visit the Ashburton Public Library, with staff happy to help with the forms if required.

Everyone who's already on the electoral roll will be sent an enrolment update pack in the mail in the first week of July, but if you’re not on the roll then you need to enrol online or pick up an enrolment pack at Council’s Customer Service desk or the Ashburton library.

People can also enrol online via vote.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.

When you receive your enrolment pack, check your details are up to date, including your address. If they’re correct, you won’t need to do anything further.

If they are incorrect, you should update your details by 12 August. You can do this online using your driver’s licence, passport or RealMe identity.

Local Body elections use a postal voting system with voting packs due to arrive in letter boxes in mid-September. Voting is open from 16 September until 8 October.

It's also a good time to start thinking about either standing for election or encouraging someone you know to stand.

Nominations for Ashburton District Council and Methven Community Board will open on 15 July and Council is planning a candidate information evening on 19 July. Nominations close on 12 August, with candidate lists confirmed shortly after.

A pre-election report, covering opportunities and issues facing the Council and the district will be released later in June, to provide critical information for candidates.