13 August 2019

There is now funding available to encourage parents of young children to put their hands up for councillor and community board positions.

Last week, South Wairarapa District councillors voted to introduce a childcare allowance for elected members, who have responsibility for caring for children under the age of 14 years.

The allowance is capped at a maximum of $6,000 per annum per child and is intended as a contribution to childcare expenses incurred while members are engaged in council business.

The childcare allowance was one of the recommended changes to the remuneration of elected members as a result of the Remuneration Authority Determination 2019.

Councillors in attendance at last week’s full council meeting voted unanimously in favour of introducing the allowance.

Council Chief Executive Harry Wilson says, “There are talented and passionate members of the community out there who would be an amazing asset around the council table, but because they have children at home, they haven’t seriously considered standing for council.

“It is hoped that this allowance will broaden the demographic of people who stand for SWDC, so it’s truly representative of our community.”

Nominations for local body elections close this Friday (16 August) at noon.