Candidates wanting to run for council will no longer be required to list their addresses on campaign advertising after the Government confirmed it intends to change the law over safety concerns.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins, who led calls for change, said he was pleased the law would change ahead of this year’s election.
The requirement for candidates to list a street address served no purpose, "other than being a barrier to some people putting their hand up to serve", Mr Hawkins said.
"I was surprised at how we got such broad support for the change, including from the Government, who have moved quickly on this.
"It’s a simple and sensible change, and one that is sadly necessary if we want our councils to look more like the communities they serve."
He thanked people who had been prepared to share ugly experiences of things that had happened to them, to illustrate the importance of change.
Dunedin city councillor Sophie Barker said the requirement to list a street address had made her feel vulnerable.
She had the Twink out yesterday, as her hoardings from the previous election could now be adjusted.
Cr Barker said she had previously installed video cameras and security lights at her home.
She hoped more people would now feel more comfortable about standing for public office.
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said she had heard growing concerns that candidates who publicised their home addresses could face undue risk to their physical safety, particularly for women and people from minority groups.
"Changing the address requirement will create a safer local electoral environment that supports diverse candidacy, and better protects candidates of all backgrounds from harassment.
"The requirement for contact information on campaign advertisements is supposed to promote transparency, not dissuade people from putting their hands up to represent their local communities.
"There will now be a wider range of options, including an email address, a PO Box, a telephone number or a website URL."
