Re-elected Katikati-Waihī Beach Councillors Outline Term Priorities

Allan Sole and Rodney Joyce have been returned as Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward representatives on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council for the next three years. Both councillors spoke to the Katikati News about what they hope to achieve during their new term.

Sole has identified three pressing issues: urgently addressing Katikati's leaking wastewater system, resolving stormwater problems in Waihī Beach, and developing the Katikati Industrial Park to bring jobs to the local area. He acknowledged that none of these goals could be achieved alone, emphasising that progress would require collective effort across the full council.

Joyce echoed the wastewater concern and also flagged fixing Te Puke's long-standing traffic issues as overdue priorities. On a broader level, he said the council's biggest challenges this term would be cost and spending — particularly as the district navigates structural changes around water services management. Joyce noted the long-discussed Katikati bypass remains a priority and said getting it included in central government roading plans would be a significant win for the district.

On a personal note, Sole shared that he spent more than three years living in India leading and mentoring a team, while Joyce revealed he began his working life as a watchmaker and jeweller — a career he said taught him patience, precision, and the value of keeping things running smoothly.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).