Have a passion for your community? Western Bay of Plenty District Council Needs You for the 2025 Local Elections!

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking passionate, purpose-driven individuals with strong community pride to stand for election in 2025. Nominations are now officially open for the roles of Mayor, Councillors, and Community Board members across the entire rohe (District).

If you’re committed to your community, eager to drive positive change, and ready to step up, this is your opportunity to get involved.

“You don’t have to be a seasoned politician to stand – just someone who cares about their community,” says Robyn Garrett, Council’s Governance Manager. “Our elected members are everyday people – parents, growers, volunteers, business owners, and kaimahi (workers) – who care deeply about where they live. We’re encouraging anyone passionate about their place to consider standing.”

New Council Structure for 2025 and 2028 Elections

Following a recent representation review, the Council’s structure has changed for the upcoming elections. This new model means most residents will cast three votes: for a Mayor, their Ward Councillor(s), and their Community Board representatives. Residents of Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands will vote for a Mayor and their Ward Councillor(s) only, as they are not part of a community board area.

Western Bay voters will elect:

• 1 Mayor (elected at large)
• 9 Councillors:
  • 2 in Katikati–Waihī Beach Ward
  • 3 in Kaimai Ward
  • 3 in Maketu–Te Puke Ward
  • 1 in the new Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward (elected by those on the Māori Electoral Roll)
• Community Board members across five boards, with new subdivisions introduced in some areas for more localised representation.

What are Subdivisions? Subdivisions are smaller areas within a larger ward or community board, designed to ensure fair representation for every part of a ward, especially communities that might otherwise be overlooked. New subdivisions have been created in Te Puke–Eastern (Eastern Subdivision) and Ōmokoroa–Kaimai (Kaimai East and Kaimai West Subdivisions), empowering these communities with their own elected representatives and a stronger voice.

“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,” Robyn adds. “You don’t need to be a political expert or have a governance background. You just need to care about your community, be willing to listen and learn, and want to make a positive difference in the place you call home.”

Councillors and community board members play a crucial role in:

• Setting the strategic direction for our towns and rohe.
• Influencing how rates are spent and services are delivered.
• Making decisions on vital issues such as transport, infrastructure, environment, and community wellbeing.

How to Put Your Name Forward

Nominations are open now and will close at midday on Friday, 1 August 2025.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen.
• Be enrolled to vote.
• Have two nominators (both must be enrolled in the area you wish to stand in).

You can obtain nomination forms:

• At any Council library or service centre.
• By downloading them from the Council’s elections hub: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections

Completed nominations can be:

• Emailed to: elections@westernbay.govt.nz
• Returned in person at any Council library or service centre.

A $200 nomination deposit is required, which is refundable if certain vote thresholds are met.

Want to Know More?

Find comprehensive information on the Council’s “Your Place Tō Wāhi” elections hub: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections. This hub provides everything you need, from how to nominate yourself to details about the roles.

Every confirmed candidate will be featured on the “Your Place Tō Wāhi” elections hub, including:

• A photo
• A written candidate profile
• The option of a 90-second video introducing yourself and your priorities.

To determine which seats you can stand for, or will be voting for, you can enter your address into Council’s mapping tool: Ward and Community Board Boundaries.

“If you’re still on the fence, reach out. We’re here to support you. You might be exactly the kind of local voice your community needs,” says Robyn.

Key Dates to Remember:

• Nominations open: 4 July 2025
• Nominations close: 1 August 2025 (midday)
• Voting opens: 9 September 2025
• Voting day: 11 October 2025