Third byelection this year beckons in Far North with Robert Cassidy's resignation

Postal voting, if there is more than one nomination, will open on August 23. Photo / File

The Far North is facing its third byelection so far this year following the resignation of Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board member Robert Cassidy.

Cassidy, a first-time board member from Waima, resigned last week due to "'a change in circumstances and new opportunities overseas".

He is understood to be heading to Australia to join family members already across the Tasman. Cassidy was one of two representatives in the South Hokianga subdivision.

Nominations for a replacement will close on July 19.

Candidates must be New Zealand citizens and enrolled to vote, though not necessarily in South Hokianga. They must, however, be nominated by two people who are registered voters in South Hokianga.

If more than one person is nominated, postal voting papers will be sent to about 2800 voters in South Hokianga from August 23. Voting will close on September 14.

In February this year the Far North District Council held a byelection to replace councillor Willow-Jean Prime who won a seat in Parliament in the 2017 general election.

The byelection was won by Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board member Kelly Stratford, which triggered a community board byelection in Kawakawa and Moerewa in May. That was won by Manuwai Wells.

■ Nomination papers can be obtained from the council service centres in Kaikohe and Rawene, from www.fndc.govt.nz, or by phoning 0800 922 822.