Local Body Election Nominations Close for Western Bay District and Te Puke Seats

Nominations for the 2025 Local Body Elections have closed in the Western Bay of Plenty District, with elections to take place to fill three district councillor positions representing the Maketū-Te Puke ward, four Maketū Community Board seats, and expanded Te Puke-East Community Board positions.

For the Te Puke-East Community Board, the geographic area has been divided with three representatives to be found from the Te Puke subdivision and two from the Eastern subdivision. Four people are contesting for three seats on Maketū Community Board: Sue Elliot, Weina Moko, Stephan Simpson, Cecil (Moki) Thomas, Leni (Beau) Walters, and Aleisha Waterhouse. For the Te Puke-East Community Board, current chairwoman Kassie Ellis and current members Dale Snell and Karen Summerhays are among those nominated.

The district council structure will consist of a mayor and a reduced number of nine councillors across four wards, with the Maketū-Te Puke Ward electing three councillors.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.