Western Bay of Plenty District Council is calling on locals to put their name forward for the 2025 local elections.
Nominations are open for mayor, councillors, and community board members across the district.
“You don’t have to be a seasoned politician to stand — just someone who cares about their community,” council’s governance manager Robyn Garrett said in a statement.
“Our elected members are just everyday people who want to make a difference. They’re parents, growers, volunteers, business owners and workers who care deeply about where they live. We’re encouraging anyone who’s passionate about their place to consider standing.”
Following a recent representation review, the council structure has changed for the 2025 and 2028 elections. This new model will see most residents vote for a mayor, their ward councillor(s), and their community board representatives. Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands residents will vote for a mayor and their ward councillor(s) and are not part of a community board area.
Voters across the Western Bay will elect:
- 1 Mayor (elected at large)
- 9 councillors:
- 2 in Katikati–Waihī Beach Ward
- 3 in Kaimai Ward
- 3 in Maketū–Te Puke Ward
- 1 in the new Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward (elected by those on the Māori Electoral Roll)
Community Board members are elected across five boards, with new subdivisions introduced in some areas to ensure more localised representation.
Subdivisions are smaller areas within a larger ward or community board. They help ensure every part of a ward is fairly represented — especially communities that might otherwise miss out.
New subdivisions have been created in Te Puke–Eastern (Eastern Subdivision) and Ōmokoroa–Kaimai (Kaimai East and Kaimai West Subdivisions), giving these communities their own elected representatives and a stronger voice at the table.
“Standing for council is one of the most direct and powerful ways to represent your community and help shape its future. The simple truth is that local government runs best when everyday people get involved,” said Garrett.
How to put your name forward
Nominations are open now and close at 12pm Friday, August 1.
You must be a New Zealand citizen and enrolled to vote.
You need two nominators (both must be enrolled in the area in which you wish to stand).
You can pick up nomination forms at any Council library or service centre, or download from yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections
Email completed nominations to elections@westernbay.govt.nz or return in person at any council library or service centre.
-Contributed content
2 comments
Please...
Posted on 06-07-2025 11:39 | By morepork
1. DON'T undertake this job if you intend to make a career of it.
2. DON'T undertake this job if you just want to tell your friends how important you are.
3. DON'T undertake this job because there are perqs and influence in it.
4. DON'T undertake this job UNLESS you care passionately about Tauranga as a place to live and really want to serve the community.
5. DON'T undertake this job if you feel that political expediency trumps honesty, transparency and engagement.
6. DON'T undertake this job UNLESS you can treat other people's money (OPM) with even more respect than you manage your own money.
Do your best to make a fistful of the above and I'll vote for you next time, when you've shown you are worth it.
Meanwhile, ask yourself: "What would Morepork do...?"
You'll be fine... :-)
Interesting
Posted on 10-07-2025 10:35 | By k Smith
Interesting post Morepork.
Trump doesn't fit any of these. Perhaps we should tell the public to first look into the candidates background and attitudes as per your list of requirements before we allow them to be a candidate. I think you may be a good judge for this job? It might be a good idea to qualify any candidate especially a Mayor.
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