{"id":1043,"date":"2025-08-06T09:30:42","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T21:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daveforcouncil.nz\/?p=1043"},"modified":"2025-08-06T09:30:42","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T21:30:42","slug":"article-bay-of-plenty-regional-council-confirms-candidates-for-2025-local-elections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exposures.co.nz\/?p=1043","title":{"rendered":"Article: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Confirms Candidates for 2025 Local Elections"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has released its final list of candidates for the upcoming local body elections in October 2025.<\/p>\n

Governance Manager Steve Groom says he is pleased with the diversity and number of nominations received this year, noting that every regional council constituency will now hold an election.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have more nominations than in 2022, and I really applaud everyone who made the call to put themselves out there,\u201d Groom said. \u201cNow that people know who is standing in their constituency, it\u2019s time to learn more about them and what they stand for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Voting packs will be sent out from Tuesday, 9 September, with the voting period closing at 12pm on 11 October.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be information about where and how to vote included in the voting pack, as well as a booklet with each candidate\u2019s short profile,\u201d Groom explained. \u201cWe\u2019ll also publish a list of known ‘Meet the Candidate’ events on our website for people wanting to learn more.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council also has limited funding available, up to $500 for community groups planning to host local voting events.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood information is the enabler of democracy, so we want to support these events. If you\u2019re planning one, check if it qualifies for funding. Not all events will be eligible, but it\u2019s worth taking a look,\u201d Groom added.<\/p>\n

Details about venue funding are available now on the Regional Council website.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Groom said the Council\u2019s focus will shift to helping voters access information and voting spaces.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to make sure people have as much information as possible about how and where to vote. Closer to the mailing date for voting packs, we\u2019ll launch an interactive map on our website to help people find a nearby post box or voting bin. Depending on where you live, this may include supermarkets, council offices, and libraries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Groom also encourages residents to engage with the process.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe decision-making now shifts to the people of the Bay of Plenty. This is your chance to influence who sits around the table and what values they bring. Take the time to learn about the candidates so you can make an informed decision for the next three years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Full candidate list<\/h3>\n

Western Bay of Plenty Regional Constituency (2 vacancies)<\/strong><\/p>\n