With nominations now open for local government elections, the Queenstown Lakes District Council is keen to encourage the community to consider standing for either the district council or the Wanaka Community Board, QLDC communications manager Meaghan Miller said.

"These sessions will be informal and there is no onus on anyone attending to take the next step. It's an opportunity to help provide information for people considering standing," she said.

Elected members and QLDC chief executive Duncan Field would be on hand at the sessions to talk through issues such as workload, remuneration, rewards, key future projects and to share their experience in general.

"I think all our elected members would vouch that the job requires a skill set that includes good time management, the ability to listen and communicate, impartiality in all things and the responsibility to always make informed decisions," Mr Field said.

Anyone that could not attend the sessions could contact QLDC deputy electoral officer Karen Climo to receive an information booklet, or collect a booklet from either the Wanaka or Queenstown council offices.

Local government nominations opened on Friday 27 July and would close on 24 August 2007.

The council had received two nominations to date for the three-year term.

The sessions would be held at Wanaka on Monday, 13 August, 2007 at 5pm at the Wanaka council office meeting room and at Queenstown on Wednesday, 15 August, 2007 at 5pm at the Queenstown council chambers.

"Standing for election is a chance to really engage the challenges and get involved in contributing to the fastest growing district in New Zealand," Mr Field said.