James Denyer re-elected as Western Bay Mayor

James Denyer has been re-elected as Western Bay’s Mayor.

Following the close of voting at midday today, 85 per cent of votes have now been counted. Progress results show James Denyer (3699 votes) ahead of Margaret Murray-Benge (2256 votes) and Rodney Joyce (1585 votes).

Council candidates currently elected (progress results):

This election is the first under Western Bay’s new representation arrangements. The new structure includes a Mayor, nine Councillors across four wards, including for the first time a Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward Councillor.

It also sees Council’s five Community Boards cover the entire District through the introduction of Community Board subdivisions in the Ōmokoroa-Kaimai and Te Puke-Eastern Community Board areas.

The five Community Boards are:

• Waihī Beach Community Board – four elected members and one appointed Councillor from the Katikati–Waihī Beach Ward
• Katikati Community Board – four elected members and one appointed Councillor from the Katikati–Waihī Beach Ward
• Ōmokoroa–Kaimai Community Board – two elected members from the Ōmokoroa Subdivision, two from Kaimai West, two from Kaimai East, and two appointed Councillors from the Kaimai Ward
• Te Puke–Eastern Community Board – three elected members from the Te Puke Subdivision, two from the Eastern Subdivision, and two appointed Councillors from the Maketu–Te Puke Ward
• Maketu Community Board – four elected members and one appointed Councillor from the Maketu–Te Puke Ward

In total, 55 candidates contested the 33 seats across Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members.

Māori Ward referendum

Alongside the Council elections, voting also took place on the Māori Ward referendum.

Progress results have 7080 votes to remove the Māori Ward after the 2025-2028 triennium versus 4793 votes to keep the Māori Ward.

Next steps

• Preliminary results are expected on Sunday, 12 October. These will replace the progress results on Elections 2025 - Western Bay of Plenty District Council and will also be shared via Council’s social media channels.
• Official and final results will be confirmed by Friday, 17 October and posted on Elections 2025 - Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Council’s social media channels.