Late entries join local govt poll

As the deadline looms for nominations for councillor and community board roles, the local body elections are heating up.

Nominations for the South Wairarapa District Council and the Greytown, Martinborough and Featherston community boards close at noon today.

Helen (Darkie) Barrow has put her name forward for a Featherston councillor position, as well as the Featherston Community Board, which she is currently on.

She joins current councillors Solitaire Roberston and Dean Davies who will stand again.

Mrs Barrow's brother and current Featherston ward councillor, Keith (Porky) Sexton, said his place in the race would be confirmed today.

It would be interesting to see a brother and sister competing, Mrs Barrow said.

She has not run for a councillor role before but has had two terms on the community board.

"Now I have got the experience from the community board, this is a step up to the council."

Mrs Barrow said she was a frequent volunteer but, as she didn't work, she had the time to devote to the town's issues.

Newcomers Richard Heald and David Montgomerie have put nominations in for the Greytown councillor ward meaning there are five candidates, including incumbent Mike Gray, for three positions and an election is required.

Mr Montgomerie is the youngest candidate in the Greytown Ward so far and a former solicitor.

He said it was important that young people were interested in local government and became involved.

Leigh Hay and Kay Gray added their names to the list of nominations for the Greytown community board and Victoria Read to the Martinborough board.

There are seven nominees for the Featherston board.

Seven people have also applied for three positions on the Greytown District Trust Lands Trust.

No one has yet challenged Mayor Adrienne Staples for her position.