Hey Western Bay, it’s Election year!

The 2025 local government election is a landmark moment for the Western Bay District, and Council is making a push to get more people both voting and standing for Council, more easily.

This year’s election brings some of the biggest changes to Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s make-up in decades — including the reduction of councillors from 11 to nine, the introduction of the Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward, and new community board ‘subdivisions’ to ensure fairer, more balanced representation across the rohe (District).

This means everyone, except for those living on Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands, will get three votes - one for Mayor, one for Ward Councillor(s) and one for Community Board members. (Matakana Island and Rangiwaea Island are not part of a community board area, so residents will vote for a Mayor and their Ward Councillor(s).)

With just 37.6 per cent of eligible voters turning out in the 2022 local elections, it’s clear there’s room for more connection, more participation, and more clarity.

“We want people to feel like they can ask questions, understand the process, and feel represented — whether they’re voting or standing,” says Rachael Davie, Council’s Deputy CEO and General Manager Strategy and Community.

“For us, it’s about creating space for those kōrero, and making it easier for everyone to get involved.”

Between now and voting day on 11 October, Council is rolling out a few simple things to make that happen – like 90-second candidate videos to introduce you to your local candidates, orange voting bins in easy-to-reach community spots, and a new digital pre-election dashboard that makes it simpler to see what Council’s up to.

Council’s elections hub - yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections - sits naturally within Your Place Tō wāhi, which is an online space featuring 12 ‘hubs’ from Waihī Beach to Pukehina, where people can keep up to date with Council projects happening in their communities.

“We know Council can sometimes feel complex,” explains Rachael.

“But at its heart, it’s pretty simple — everything we do is about helping our communities thrive. This election, we’re trying to bring that mahi a little closer.

“So take a moment, watch a candidate video when the time comes, find out who’s standing, and kōrero with your whānau about what matters to you. Every local election is a chance for familiar faces to return — and new voices to step forward.”

And if you’re thinking about putting your hand up?

“You don’t have to be a policy expert,” says Rachael. “You just need to care about where you live and be willing to represent the people there.

“Local decisions have a big impact on people’s everyday lives and it’s worth taking the time to get informed and involved.”

For more information visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections

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