Eight candidates have put their names forward to represent their communities in the Whakatāne District Council Community Board by-elections.

Nominations on Monday for the by-elections, which followed insufficient nominations at the triennial elections held in October.

Six candidates will contest three vacant positions on the Tāneatua Community Board: Kerry Gosling, Ozgur Jahn, Elise James, Phillipa Marie Mason, Angie Rota and MJ Tuwairua.

Two candidates will contest one vacant position on the Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiōhau Subdivision): Karen Isemonger-Rameka and Alicia Oliver.

Manager Governance Services Chirese Viljoen said it was encouraging to see community members ready to lead where they lived.

Electors in the respective areas will receive their voting packs from January 30, with voting closing at noon on March 3. Official results will be announced on March 5.

People can enrol as either a residential or ratepayer elector up to and including March 2.