54Filling casual vacancy generally

54 Filling casual vacancy generally (1) This section applies if a casual vacancy occurs in the office of a member other than a principal member. (2) If a casual vacancy occurs: (a) 18 months or more before the next general election – the council must hold a by-election; or (b) less than 18 months, but more than 6 months, before the next general election – the council must, by vote of existing members, do one of the following: (i) decide to appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the next general election;

Local Government Act 2019 38 (ii) hold a by-election; or (c) 6 months or less before the next general election – the council must, by vote of existing members, do one of the following: (i) appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the next general election; (ii) leave the office vacant. (3) The council must fill a casual vacancy under subsection (2)(b) or (c) in accordance with its policy for filling casual vacancies, adopted by resolution.