The race is on for Western Bay’s local government elections

A total of 59 people have put their pōtae (hat) in the ring to represent the Western Bay.

Nominations for the 32 positions available in Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s 2022 electoral race closed at midday on Friday 12 August, with a mix of new and incumbent candidates.

The top job of Mayor, vacated by outgoing two-term Mayor Garry Webber, sees eight candidates vying for the position, including John Scrimgeour, Don Thwaites, James Denyer, Paul Haimona, Rodney Joyce, Mark Boyle, Hori BOP Leaming and Suaree Borrell.

There are eight candidates for the three Katikati-Waihi Beach Ward seats, seven candidates for the four Kaimai Ward seats, and 12 contesting the four Maketu-Te Puke Ward seats.

In Waihī Beach there are seven community board candidates, Katikati has seven, Ōmokoroa nine, Te Puke 10, and in Maketu six. Each community board will have four people elected.

Council CEO John Holyoake says that this year’s nominations are a real win for community representation across the Western Bay.

“This year we launched Generation Change He panoi ā renga to celebrate the mix of people that make the Western Bay so great. We encouraged our people to stand up for their communities and bring their voices to the table.

“We’re excited to say they’ve heard the call, and that this year’s nominations include the broadest range of candidates that we’ve seen in a very long time. There’s people from different generations, various walks of life, and there’s no doubt they each possess different skills and have unique lived experience.

“This is exactly what we need to ensure that the decisions made by Council suit everyone in the Western Bay. Thank you to all of the candidates for putting your hand up, and good luck.”

With candidates confirmed, all eyes turn to the upcoming Meet the Candidate Debate series from 29 August to 1 September – your first chance to see Mayoral and Councillor candidates in action on the campaign trail.

Find out more about the Meet the Candidate Debates series at generationchange.nz

Information for voters

Enrolled voters in the Western Bay can expect to receive their voting packs in the post from Friday, 16 September.

Western Bay voting packs also include voting information for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Voting will close at midday Saturday, 8 October with preliminary results expected to be announced early afternoon.

Official results will be available by 14-19 October.

A full list of confirmed candidates is attached, and available on generationchange.nz.

Elections 2022 – Confirmed candidates

Confirmed candidates for the 2022 Local Body Elections in the Western Bay of Plenty are listed below in alphabetical order.

Mayor (1 vacancy)

Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward (3 seats)

Kaimai Ward (4 seats)

Maketu-Te Puke Ward (4 seats)

Waihī Beach Community Board (4 seats)

Katikati Community Board (4 seats)

Ōmokoroa Community Board (4 seats)

Te Puke Community Board (4 seats)

Maketu Community Board (4 seats)