Western Bay of Plenty District Council is calling on the community to be a part of Generation Change / He panoni ā reanga in this year’s elections.

E Tū (stand) and be the change we need

For those passionate about making a difference in the Western Bay, now is the time to E Tū (stand). Nominations are open for Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Mayor, Councillor and Community Board seats in the 2022 local body 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)

Council Chief Executive Officer 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 diverse people – with a range of age, culture, experiences and skillsets – to be the positive change in our rohe. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is – we’ve all got unique lived experiences that are the key to understanding and representing the broad needs of our District.

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

“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,” says John.

Interested candidates can learn more by reading Council’s 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 they can be a part of this.

These are available at all Council library and services or online at generationchange.nz. Interested candidates can also contact the Council on 0800 926 732.

Vote for change

If running in the elections isn’t your thing, it’s just as important to have your say by voting. Voter turnout for the 2019 election for the Western Bay of Plenty was just 39.1 percent – 2.6 percent below the national average. Our community and its needs are diverse – and we think the people making decisions should reflect that too. By voting, you have a say in who is representing your needs.

Make an informed vote by getting to know your candidates. In a first for the District, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is running a Meet the Candidate Debate series, featuring one debate for each ward (Katikati-Waihī Beach, Kaimai, Maketu-Te Puke) and the Mayoralty. Be sure to block out your evenings from 6pm Monday 29 August to Thursday 1 September.

Voting papers arrive from 16 September and voting closes 8 October. Find out more at generationchange.nz