Maketū's Shane Beech Wins Council Seat After Three-Year Wait

Maketū's Shane Beech has won a seat on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council after more than three years away from politics. Known affectionately as the mayor of Maketū, Beech was the highest polling of six candidates battling for the three Maketū-Te Puke ward seats in the recent local body election, polling 2,147 votes.

Beech spent four terms on the Maketū Community Board, three as chairman, before stepping down in 2022. He initially intended to stand for the district council in that year's election but ill health forced him to withdraw. Despite pulling out, he still received 1,688 votes—enough for a seat. This time he had no such issues and successfully secured his position.

"I'm quite humbled and overwhelmed and certainly appreciate the support I was given," Beech told Te Puke News. "I'm now in a position to pay back and get some things done hopefully." Beech is well-known for his community work and volunteer efforts, and is the owner of Maketū Beach Holiday Park. Another former Maketū Community Board chair, Laura Rae, also won her council seat with 1,550 votes.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.