Voting is now open to decide who will fill the vacant Katikati-Waihi Beach Ward seat on Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Ten candidates are vying for the one seat vacated by Councillor Christina Humphreys, who resigned in January.

The nominees are Bryce Bevin (Independent), John Clements, Griff Cooke, Bill Hedges (Independent), Andrew Hollis, Rodney Joyce (Independent), David Marshall, Allan Sole, Kevin Tohiariki and Kim Williams (Independent).

Voting closes at noon on Friday, April 30, with the successful candidate selected under the first-past-the-post electoral system, says a Western Bay of Plenty District Council spokesperson.

"Voting packs will be posted to electors of the Katikati-Waihi Beach Ward starting this week.

"Those eligible to vote are all resident electors and non-resident ratepayer electors whose names appear on the Electoral Roll for Council.

"If you are not on the Electoral Roll, you can apply to enrol as either a residential or ratepayer elector up to Thursday, April 29 – the day before the close of voting."

Enrolling as a resident elector can be done by phoning the Electoral Commission on 0800 367 656.

Enrolling as a non-resident ratepayer elector can be done through the enrolment form on Council's website - www.westernbay.govt.nz/council/by-election-2021. Please download this form, fill it out and return it to one of Council's library and service centres.

By-election key dates:

• Thursday, April 8: Voter packs sent out in the mail
• Thursday, April 8: Voting opens
• Friday, April 30: Voting closes 12 noon
• Wednesday, May 5: public notice of result.

Voting documents can be returned by post or hand-delivered during normal business hours, to the Electoral Officer, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, no later than noon Friday, April 30. Hand deliveries can be made to:

• Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Main Office, Barkes Corner, 1484 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga

• Katikati Library and Service Centre, The Centre - Pātuki Manawa, 21 Main Road, Katikati
• Waihi Beach Library and Service Centre, Waihi Beach Road, Waihi Beach.

For more information please contact: the Electoral Office, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, telephone 0800 922 822.