Toi Moana Regional Council Candidates Named for Bay of Plenty Election

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council has released its finalised list of candidates for the upcoming local body elections. Governance manager Steve Groom said he was pleased with both the number and diversity of nominations, noting there would be a contested election in each of the regional council's constituencies.

In the Western Bay of Plenty Regional Constituency, four candidates — Cathi Barker, Neil Parker, John Scrimgeour and Ken Shirley — will contest two vacancies. For the Mauao Māori Regional Constituency, which covers Waihī Beach through to Tauranga and Te Puke, three candidates will contest one vacancy: Mateamoana McDonald, Paora Stanley and Ange Webster.

"We have more nominations than we received in 2022 and I really applaud everyone who made the call to put themselves out there," Groom said. The council plans to make an interactive map available on its website closer to voting packs being sent out, so residents can easily find a postbox or service centre. For community groups interested in hosting candidate information events, the regional council has up to $500 available per event to help cover costs, subject to eligibility criteria. Full candidate details can be found at www.boprc.govt.nz/elections.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).