03-07-2025
Red Carpet Being Rolled Out To Potential Candidates
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is rolling out the red carpet to the community this July, as nominations open for the upcoming local body elections.
The Regional Council is seeking nominations to fill its 14 seats across the region – including its three Māori constituency seats.
Toi Moana Acting Chief Executive Reuben Fraser says this is the opportunity for those members of the community who have a passion for regional issues to take the stage.
'We're rolling out the red carpet and asking our community to take the spotlight for these elections,' Mr Fraser says. 'Being a regional councillor is about making the decisions that help define the future for our community – decisions that help us direct and then deliver on the work in our plans and policies.
'Our councillors are one of the vital links between the organisation and our community, so it's important that the makeup of our council reflects our communities.'
Nominations for the upcoming elections open on Friday 4 July, before closing on 1 August at 12pm. Voting papers will be sent out from 9 September, with postal voting closing at 12pm on 11 October.
'While the job isn't always an easy one, it is an incredibly rewarding one,' Mr Fraser says. 'As a councillor you're helping shape our region's future through every conversation you have with your community, and at every meeting you attend and represent them at.'
The best place to start for anyone thinking about standing, is to watch the recording of the recent Candidates Information Webinar says Mr Fraser.
'This year we recorded this event and have made it available on our website – so if you missed it, you haven't missed the opportunity to find out a bit more about what it means to stand for Council and be a Councillor.'
Mr Fraser says the recording will give people a broader understanding of not only the role of a Regional Councillor, but also some of the rules around campaigning and the elections process.
All information about the elections, including the nomination form, is available at
