Tauranga Regional Constituency Candidates

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

Growing and changing rapidly, our Region and our people face increasingly complex environmental challenges. I support a vision where present and future residents, their families, businesses and communities thrive in an environment that is protected, and natural resources are well managed. 

Genuinely interested in these issues, I’ll engage with and advocate for a diverse range of people, listen to understand views, while also considering region-wide community needs in council decision-making processes. 

I prefer exercising well-informed judgement versus opinion, express ideas clearly and communicate honestly with transparency. An experienced senior executive in finance, previous business owner, academic mentor, and recently involved in Census and General Elections, I’m no stranger to good governance. I understand challenging responsibilities, monitoring performance against strategic objectives, prudent use of resources, and adherence to legal requirements. 

If elected, I want you to know that I’d be extremely honoured and fully committed to representing you and your communities.

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

As a long-time Tauranga resident, I have a deep desire to protect the beauty of our city and its natural resources while also providing the best environment for our residents to grow and enjoy. 

After completing my schooling in Tauranga I moved to Auckland, attending Auckland University, working in telecommunications, getting married and starting a family. 

In 2012 I was appointed Project Manager for the Tauranga fibre network build, a challenging project, passing 40,000 houses over six years. This gave me valuable experience in leadership, team work and minimising effects on the local environment. 

I now work in Senior Real Estate, specialising in housing for empty-nesters, retirees and downsizers. I volunteer on the Grey Power committee as part of my commitment to our community. My vision is to preserve and protect our beautiful environment for future generations while our city continues to grow around us. Please support my nomination. 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

Councils and the community are facing uncertainty from government led reforms and potentially changing the role and number of councils. 

I am an experienced local government practitioner with a reputation as a safe pair of hands and am prepared to make the hard but right decisions in these challenging times. 

I operate under a set of values based on service to the community and leadership by listening, thinking then acting. I stand for providing for today and planning for the future including the use of community partnerships. 

For Tauranga, I will focus on supporting managed growth, the harbour environs, clean air and making the current bus network more effective and efficient. 

By using my council and business background, I will only support effective and high value delivery of essential services at least cost to ratepayers. 

Vote now for Stuart Crosby. Visit my Facebook page www.facebook.com/StuartCrosbyBOP for more information

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

I love the BOP. It’s a stunning region and my family has chosen to live here for four generations. I treasure our beautiful environment and the lifestyle we enjoy. 

Our economic and community prosperity rely on these natural treasures. I’m standing to ensure we protect and enhance the things we love about our region. 

I have local and national government experience that has given me valuable insight into serving the community. My significant governance experience with national and local conservation organisations has strengthened my resolve to protect and enhance our environment and promote sustainable economic development. I have degrees in Law and History from the University of Otago. I am a Member of the NZ Institute of Directors. 

I am standing as a candidate to help lead change as the sector faces uncertainty. We can guide our region towards a prosperous future without compromising what makes it special. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-graeme-1449a71a9/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579052123138 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

The world is in crisis — war, climate chaos, and systems treat animals, people, and our environment as expendable. The change we need starts locally, to protect waterways, care for our coasts and forests, and make decisions that safeguard all life. Cruelty to animals and destruction of nature harm us all. The Council manages land, water, transport, and climate resilience. Animals and ecosystems must be central to every decision: 

No live exports through our ports. 

Healthy waterways – stopping agricultural run-off, protecting wetlands, restoring streams. 

Thriving biodiversity – native forest regeneration. 

Respect for Te Tiriti and co-governance with tangata whenua. Climate-resilient communities – rewilding coastlines, flood and erosion protections. 

Animal welfare – supporting rescues, sanctuaries, humane wildlife management. 

Efficient, low-emissions town and rural public transport. 

Vote Caitlin Grattan, Animal Justice Party. Let’s build a Bay of Plenty that protects animals, nature, and our future.

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

I have lived in Tauranga all my life so am passionate to see our region yield the optimum enjoyment for our community. We cover a large area with lakes, rivers, beaches and an environment which offers unique opportunities for our community to enjoy. We must ensure that we protect and develop our region for future generations. Our region is growing and with that comes congestion and the need for better transport choices. I have previous governance experience having been a Tauranga city councillor for 12 years which has given me a good understanding of processes, policies, budgets, planning and meeting procedures. As a previous business owner, I understand financial reporting and will ensure that finances are used wisely. I will be accessible, available and ready to advocate for, engage with and listen to our community. I value honesty, integrity and respect and will work to ensure our region is sustainable. 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

First off, thank you for taking time out of your busy life to vote, it matters. 

I will be a fantastic steward of our region because I understand what makes the BOP great. I’ve spent a lifetime working outdoors, in close proximity with wildlife, and have a balanced perspective on development and food production vs environmental protection and community well-being. 

I’m honest, I listen more than I talk, ask insightful questions, and speak up when it matters. When the Marine Precinct was sold after receiving regional funding, I knew it was time to step up and offer my experience. It’s important we make sure decisions are made with our communities, not just handed down to them. 

I love this region, it’s called the Bay of Plenty for a reason. I look forward to doing my part to keep this the best place to raise a family and live well. 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

I’m a lifelong resident of Tauranga standing for the future of our beautiful region. I bring fresh thinking, strong community values, and a deep commitment to ensuring our region thrives for generations to come. 

I’m running a grassroots campaign - low budget, no consultants - driven by a passion to serve the people, not play politics. I offer real-world experience, grit, and a desire to make a difference. 

Key decisions, like selling port shares, have cost our region in ways we can’t undo. It’s time to move forward with bold, long-term thinking around climate resilience, water quality, regional transport, smart development, the ability to collaborate across councils to get results for our region. 

This election is an opportunity to renew and re-energise our regional leadership. If you’re looking for a hardworking, grounded representative who will put people and the environment first, vote Ash Hillis, Tauranga General. 

FutureBay.co.nz 

My principal place of residence is not in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

I'm dedicated to serving our community with vision and integrity, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in law, policy, economics and senior leadership within city, district and regional councils.

My role as Convenor for the 2024 SmartGrowth Strategy which underpins planning for regional development for the next 50 years, has deepened my awareness of the need to achieve the best economic, social and environmental outcomes for our communities. I'm proud to be the Chair of Takitimu House Charitable Trust which shelters and supports our most vulnerable residents, who are often excluded in the conversations about the future of our region. 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

I stand for a flourishing, resilient Bay of Plenty where community voice and sustainable development work hand in hand. Our region needs strong, proven representatives. I have delivered in my first term, and I’m asking for your support to keep working for you, our children and our grandchildren. Our rapidly growing region faces real pressures - from housing to transport and infrastructure strain, while our natural ecosystems and waterways need protection. I will continue to strive for efficient, evidence-based decisions that deliver economic and environmental wins. 

I am committed to listening to our community and encouraging participation. I will keep backing inclusive governance and effective partnerships with Māori. 

With twenty five years of management and leadership experience, including serving as Chair of Regional Council’s Strategy and Policy committee, I bring proven expertise to tackle our regional challenges. 

For real progress, vote Kat Macmillan for Regional Council https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-macmillan/ https://www.facebook.com/KatMacmillan4boprc 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

I am a retired engineer. I have a bachelors degree from Auckland University, and a Doctorate from Cambridge University. Born and raised in Tauranga, I have worked overseas and have been back in Tauranga for the last 20 years. The Bay Of Plenty is a great place to live, but our rates are too high. Rates income has increased by 190% over the last 10 years. That is unaffordable. Don’t be fooled by the 3% increase for this election year. We need careful spending, realistic budgets and affordable rates increases. The council organisation needs to be more efficient and effective. All spending should be reviewed. The Port of Tauranga shares should not be sold. Environmental decisions should be realistic and affordable. Council processes should be streamlined, and fees and charges reduced. Amalgamating councils will make the problems worse. https://www.timmaltby.nz 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

Clinton Naude is committed to strong, grounded leadership that makes a real difference for the Bay of Plenty. His focus is on community outcomes, inclusive decision-making, and fostering regional collaboration. Clinton believes that listening locally, understanding the unique needs of each community, is essential to creating impactful, sustainable solutions. 

His vision is to be your voice in council and your partner in progress, ensuring that every decision benefits both the region and its residents. With a strategic, inclusive approach, Clinton aims to build a resilient Bay of Plenty, where together, we transform challenges into opportunities for everyone. 

Join Clinton Naude in shaping a better Bay of Plenty, rooted in community, driven by collaboration, and focused on positive regional impact. 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

The business of the Regional Council is challenging and is complex. 

Recently, Regional Councils have been targeted by Prime Minister Luxon for extinction which literally, I cannot support. In 2010, when I was first elected to the BOPRC (2010-2016) John Key attempted to do the same thing, put down New Zealand’s environmental watchdog, but without success. 

Certainly, I support a national review of local government and the drive for innovation and rationalisation of governance functions in the Bay of Plenty. 

However, the fundamentals of the environment and the natural world shall be protected and that is the role of a Regional Council. My experience, knowledge and leadership in local Government, commerce, IT, transport, construction and project management, means that I am well prepared for the challenges ahead. 

Born in Tauranga 1954; Grew up with the Port of Tauranga; Member for Waitakerie on the Auckland Harbour Board 1986-1989; BOPRC Councillor 2010-2016

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

JP, CMInstD, MNZATD 

During my first term on Council. I supported no rates increases above inflation, worked to improve the air quality at the Mount, and advocated on behalf of people with disabilities to access council services such as continued Total Mobility subsidies. 

I continue to stand for protecting our harbour and rivers, better roads and transport, and a positive economic environment. 

As an economist I know we can only afford to protect our environment if we treat your financial resources as carefully as our natural resources. 

I’m a director of Blind-LowVision NZ, and SILC, a disability service provider, so advocate for improved and safer access to our beaches, parks and streets for those with limited mobility because of age or disability. 

Long overdue reform of the Resource Management legislation is happening. 

At this time of change I offer strong, stable, experienced and common-sense leadership. 

Please vote: Ron Scott. 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

Derek Stembridge: Diligent, Innovative, Relationship Builder, Committed to Service. 

My background is in Local Authority engineering and large-scale roading projects. e.g., the tender and construction lead for traffic management, for the Hamilton and Puhoi to Warkworth Expressways. My expertise is in infrastructure design and delivery, road asset management, quality assurance, traffic management and training. As the traffic manager in the Piritahi Alliance with Kainga Ora in Auckland, I had a key role in the planning and execution of one of New Zealand’s most significant social housing developments. As a resident in Welcome Bay, Tauranga, my passion is in creating sustainable, well-planned, and connected communities for long-term growth and well-being. I am dedicated to creating a healthy environment, maintaining a clear, futuristic vision for urban, rural and environmental development. With strategic thinking, strong leadership, and a collaborative mindset, my contribution to regional governance focuses on practical outcomes and enduring community benefits.

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

Tauranga’s strong voice on our Regional Council For 15 years, I've been privileged to serve our community as your Regional Councillor, delivering real results for Tauranga. I believe in action over words, and in governance that puts community first. Let’s stop the PC nonsense and focus on what truly matters for our community - better harbours, roads, and public transport - and a cleaner, sustainable environment for our children and grandchildren. 

My approach is simple: If you don’t measure, you can’t manage. As a Justice of the Peace, with a Master of Business Administration, my governance experience includes directorships on Crown entities. I’m committed to science-based decision-making, reducing wasteful bureaucracy, and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. I stand for equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens, and a future where every voice counts. Together, let’s protect what matters most. 

Re-elect Andrew von Dadelszen, Tauranga’s strong voice on our Regional Council. www.vond.co.nz 

My principal place of residence is in the Tauranga General Constituency area. 

Registered Architect dedicated to sustainably managing BOP’s natural resources land, water, air, transport, infrastructure and biodiversity. With 30 years’ experience, including roles on the Tauranga Art Gallery Trust Board, Maungatapu School Board, HCC Urban Design Panel and Hamilton River Plan, I bring Governance skills, innovation and clear communication.

I’ve worked collaboratively with Kaitemako Welcome Bay Māori Land Trusts, enabling housing, respecting land and planning for sustainable infrastructure. Currently under construction is a Hauora mental health unit for BOP, projects committed to honouring iwi and hapu values.

The role requires balancing growth, environmental protection with economic strategy to ensure ecological resilience and thriving communities. I propose a Skyway to Seaway freight motorway, Land Peninsula Protection addressing future land slips into estuaries to ensure safety and sustainability. I support RMA changes to simplify regulations, reduce red tape and boost economic growth while ensuring environmental protection.  

Working for a prosperous, connected future

markwassung2020@gmail.com