Council Calls for Candidates Ahead of 2025 Local Elections

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has opened nominations for the 2025 local elections, encouraging residents with a passion for their communities to step forward. Positions up for grabs include Mayor, ward councillors, and community board members across the district.

Following a recent representation review, the council structure has been updated for the 2025 and 2028 election cycles. Under the new model, most residents will vote for a Mayor, their ward councillor or councillors, and their community board representatives. Matakana and Rangiwaea Island residents will vote for a Mayor and ward councillor only, with no community board component.

Voters across the Western Bay will elect one at-large Mayor, along with nine councillors divided across the wards: two in Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward, three in Kaimai Ward, three in Maketu-Te Puke Ward, and one in the newly created Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward — elected by those on the Māori Electoral Roll. Nomination forms are available at any council library or service centre, or can be downloaded at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).