All you need to know about Council this election

Western Bay: the future of your community and District is in your hands this election.

We encourage you to use this power wisely and read up on what Council has achieved recently and where we are heading.

With this knowledge you can make informed decisions that will influence how we collectively work together over the next three years to make decisions that matter to our community.

As part of the Generation Change He panoni ā reanga campaign, Western Bay of Plenty District Council has revamped the traditional ‘Pre-election report’ and published it as the guide Allyou need to know about Council Ngā kōrero whamōhio atui ngā āhuatanga o te Kaunihera to educate residents on the current state of play.

Pre-election reports are prepared independently of Elected Members and are required by law to include the Council’s financial position and upcoming major projects.

But Council’s 2022 version is much more than just a publication on financial strategy and expenditure, the guide also outlines key successes from the past three years (period elected members are voted in for) as well as the broader environment local government is operating in and what changes are on the horizon.

It is written in easy-to-follow language with interesting insights on our District – like the fact 14 different languages are spoken here, we have 23,932 households, and 33 sports fields.

Chief Executive Officer John Holyoake explains that this is essential reading for all our residents.

“This is a valuable resource for every voter in our District – not just those choosing to stand. Learning what the Council has achieved in the past and what major decisions the incoming elected members will be making puts voters in a strong position to use their vote to influence the change they want to see in the Western Bay.

“We need informed voters and candidates so there can be robust discussion that addresses what matters most to our community. Whether you’re worried about expenditure on sewage infrastructure, solutions for housing our growing population, or changes to the Resource Management Act – you can find it all in the guide All you need to know about Council Ngā kōrero whamōhio atui ngā āhuatanga o te Kaunihera.”

Alongside local issues, the publication also explains Three Waters, the Resource Management Act and the Future for Local Government, and looks at what role the incumbent Council will have in representing the District on these important matters.

Allyou need to know about Council Ngā kōrero whamōhio atui ngā āhuatanga o te Kaunihera – Pre-election report 2022 can be found on generationchange.nz or at Council libraries and service centres.

Candidate nominations for the Western Bay of Plenty’s Mayor, 11 Councillors and 20 Community Board members open Friday 15 July.

Visit generationchange.nz for more information on how to stand for Council or a community board, what being a Councillor involves, and how to enrol to vote.