Learn more about the people vying for your votes!

Need to know a little bit more about those wanting to represent you on Council before voting opens?

We've helped you out.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council, as part of its Generation Change He panoni ā reanga campaign, has published a question-and-answer section on its generationchange.nz website, sharing further candidate insights on a range of topics – some more light-hearted and some more topical.

The voluntary questionnaire was put to all candidates standing for roles in the local government election – Mayoralty, Councillor and Community Board.

Located under the ‘Meet the Candidate’ section, the Q&A tab covers local topics, such as candidate hobbies and their favourite place to visit. It also asks pātai about where a candidate’s priorities are when it comes to managing the District’s growth, climate change, and how Council can support rangatahi to be heard.

Council CEO John Holyoake says with just over a week until voting opens (Friday 16 September) the questionnaire helps voters to learn more about the people asking for their support.

“It’s really important to us that anyone going to the ballot box in the coming weeks feels as if they have all the tools and information to make an informed decision.

“Getting to know the people behind the candidate profiles and knowing what they think about important issues enables voters to have their say with confidence.”

The questionnaire is on top of the 150-word profiles that are available on the Generation Change website, and Council’s first ever Meet the Candidate Debate series.

“With answers on a range of topics available to voters, candidates have been able to paint a picture of who they are – and if they’re elected, what they will be focusing on,” says John.

The debates, which were livestreamed online, can be viewed on demand at generationchange.nz alongside candidates’ pictures and their profiles.

The only way to pōti is by filling out the voting forms you will receive in your letterbox from 16 September. Then you need to either post them in the mail or drop them at one of Council’s library and service centres before voting closes at noon on Saturday 8 October.

• Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre
• The Centre Pātuki Manawa – Katikati Library and Service Centre
• Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre
• Te Puke Library and Service Centre
• Council’s main office, Barkes Corner

“Knowing the people is the first step to knowing who you’re going to vote for. Voting’s the crucial last step though, so get to know the candidates, then get out and vote,” says John.

For more information on Western Bay’s elections, visit generationchange.nz online.

Note: due to the voluntary nature of the questionnaire not all candidates have participated and will be reflected on the generationchange.nz website.