Western Bay of Plenty District Council is calling on locals with passion, purpose and community pride to put their name forward for the 2025 local elections.
Nominations are officially open for Mayor, Councillors, and Community Board members across the rohe (District).
If you care about your community, want to see change happen, and are ready to step up — now’s your chance to get involved.
“You don’t have to be a seasoned politician to stand — just someone who cares about their community,” says Council’s Governance Manager Robyn Garrett.
“Our elected members are just everyday people who want to make a difference. They’re parents, growers, volunteers, business owners and kaimahi (workers) who care deeply about where they live. We’re encouraging anyone who’s passionate about their place to consider standing.”
Following a recent representation review, the Council structure has changed for the 2025 and 2028 elections. This new model will see most residents vote for a Mayor, their Ward Councillor(s), and their Community Board representatives. Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands residents will vote for a Mayor and their Ward Councillor(s) and are not part of a community board area.
Voters across the Western Bay 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 to ensure more localised representation.
Subdivisions are smaller areas within a larger ward or community board. They help ensure every part of a ward is fairly represented — especially communities that might otherwise miss out.
New subdivisions have been created in Te Puke–Eastern (Eastern Subdivision) and Ōmokoroa–Kaimai (Kaimai East and Kaimai West Subdivisions), giving these communities their own elected representatives and a stronger voice at the table.
“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,” says Robyn.
“You don’t need to be a political expert or have a background in governance. 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: set the direction for our towns and rohe, influence how rates are spent and services are delivered, and help make decisions on issues like transport, infrastructure, environment, and community wellbeing.
How to put your name forward
Nominations are open now and close at midday, Friday 1 August 2025.
- You must be a New Zealand citizen and enrolled to vote
- You need two nominators (both must be enrolled in the area in which you wish to stand)
- You can pick up nomination forms at any Council library or service centre, or download from yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections
- Email completed nominations to elections@westernbay.govt.nz or return in person at any Council library or service centre
- A $200 nomination deposit is required (refundable if vote thresholds are met)
Want to know more?
You’ll find everything you need — from how to nominate to what the role involves — on Council’s Your Place Tō Wāhi elections hub: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections
Every confirmed candidate will be featured on the Your Place Tō Wāhi elections hub. This includes:
- A photo
- A written candidate profile
- The option of a 90-second video introducing yourself and your priorities to the community
If you want to find out what seats you can stand for, or will be voting for come election time, you can enter your address into Council’s mapping tool: Ward and Community Board Boundaries.
And 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:
- Nominations open: 4 July 2025
- Nominations close: 1 August 2025 (midday)
- Voting opens: 9 September 2025
- Voting day: 11 October 2025
