Nominations are now open for Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Mayor, Councillor and Community Board seats in the 2022 local body election.

Council CEO John Holyoake encourages everyone to show their passion for the District by helping influence more positive change for our community - whether standing for Council, encouraging someone to, or voting.

'We're looking for new, diverse faces – age, culture, experience and skillsets - to be the positive change in our rohe,” says Holyoake.

'It doesn't matter who you are, where you live or what your background is – we've all got unique lived experiences that are the key to understanding the diverse needs of our District.

'Stand up and be the change we need – E tū, whakatinanahia te panonitanga e hiahiatia ana e tatou.”

By standing for Council, candidates in this year's local elections will have the potential to influence and inform decisions on the almost 40 different services that Council provides.

Not only that, but each elected members' role – be it the Mayor, Councillors, or Community Board members – has a different set of responsibilities and requires a variety of skills and experience to help deliver real change for the community.

'If you're unsure about whether standing is right for you, or you know someone you think would be a great candidate, we'd love to kōrero and answer any questions you have. You can get in touch by phoning 0800 926 732,” says John.

'Alternatively take a read of our comprehensive Candidate Handbook and All you need to know about Council Pre-election Report to get a clear picture of the role Council plays in the community and how you can be a part of this. You can pick one up at any of our library and services or online at generationchange.nz.”

Here's the key information you need to know when it comes to standing in this year's election.

Who is being elected?

• 1x Mayor
• 3x Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward Councillors
• 4x Kaimai Ward Councillors
• 4x Maketu-Te Puke Ward Councillors
• 4x Community Board members (Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke, Maketu)

How can I be nominated?

Nominations are open until midday Friday, August 12, 2022.

Here's the process:

1. You must be a New Zealand citizen (by birth or naturalisation ceremony) and on either the general or Māori electoral roll.
2. You need two people to nominate you using the official nomination form, which can be picked up at all Council library and service centres. They must be over 18 years old and enrolled in the area you wish to stand for.
3. Hand the completed form in at one of Council's library and service centres or post the completed form to Council's electoral officer Dale Ofsoske, PO Box 5135, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142.
4. A $200 deposit must be paid, which may be refunded depending on election results.

Where can I get a nomination form?

Each nomination must be made on the appropriate official nomination paper. A separate nomination is required for each position and is available from:

• Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre, 106 Beach Road, Waihī
• The Centre – Pātuki Manawa, Katikati Library and Service Centre, 21 Main Road, Katikati
• Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre, 28 Western Avenue, Ōmokoroa
• Te Puke Library and Service Centre, 130 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke
• Council's Main Office, Barkes Corner, 1484 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga
• Phone 0800 922 822
• Online at generationchange.nz

Visit generationchange.nz for more information on how to stand for Council or a community board, what being a Councillor involves or to download the Candidate Handbook or All you need to know about Council Pre-election Report.