Eastern Bay of Plenty by-election General Constituency Candidates

Local Government is going through major restructuring – I'll advocate for strong local representation – Eastern BOP needs must be heard.

I'd like to be elected to a council that is responsible and accountable with ratepayers’ money.  Managing debt, spending wisely, and concentrating on core commitments (transport, environment, biosecurity, etc.) while being fair, inclusive, and transparent.

I understand there are complex issues to resolve, with many sides to every argument.  I will be open to ideas, will listen to all opinions, and take those into consideration when making decisions on behalf of the whole community.

I’m married to my lovely wife Rachel, with two intermediate school children, and two children no longer at home.

I’m an independent candidate, who is honest, reliable, hardworking, and proud to live and work in the Bay of Plenty.

Dr Jessica Sneha Gray is a certified clinical sociologist, licensed investigator, and owner of Eastern Bay of Plenty business Mess to Masterpieces Consulting (drjg.co.nz). Her doctorate, research, and professional work focus on how we create strong, sustainable places where people can thrive.

Jessica is not a career politician. She will not be drawn into drama, division, or empty promises. She will listen carefully, speak truth without fear or favour, and work respectfully to achieve the best outcomes for the people she represents.

She may not have a political fan club, but she has the courage, insight, and independence to see what is really happening and act when it matters.

As a multi-ethnic New Zealander with a New Zealand-born husband and children, this is her whenua and her home.
If you want political drama, do not vote for Jessica. If you want genuine representation, give her your tick.

My principal residence is within the Eastern Bay of Plenty General Constituency area.

The Regional Council is so important to this region. The current reform environment has shown that politicians, lobbyists, and interest groups are manoeuvring to exploit our natural resources at all costs; there is so much at stake.

I’m born and bred in the Eastern Bay and have the skills and political knowledge to not only represent you but to scrap hard at the table for our region. I offer more than 25 years’ experience in governance, business and environmental management. I am an experienced Hearings Commissioner and run my own environmental and IT consultancy.

I have previously served as a Director for the Environmental Protection Authority and the Environmental Defence Society.

I will absolutely value your vote and be available to meet and listen to your concerns. Malcolm Campbell was onto it, and I would be privileged to carry on the fight for the people and places we call home

Malcolm Campbell gave decades of service to the Eastern Bay. Following our friend’s untimely passing, many in the community including sitting councillors reached out, and I feel compelled to respectfully answer their call.

The next two years are about transition. Local government is facing some of the biggest changes in a generation, and the Eastern Bay needs representation that can engage with that from day one.

I have served two terms on this Council. I know the organisation, its people, and the networks across the rohe. That means I can hit the ground running and add value immediately, rather than spending a year finding my feet.

It is my view that relationships will guide us through these particular challenges we face. The quality and reach of my relationships across the Bay is what I bring to this work.

I was born, raised and schooled in Whakatāne and have significant governance experience as a Whakatāne District Councillor (2019-2022) and the Mayor (2022-2025). My undergraduate training had a strong environmental orientation and I earned a Doctorate in Chemistry in 1988. I have since had a 30 year career in science research, management, leadership and education in New Zealand, the US, Australia and Argentina.

I have strong scientific and technical expertise in areas that constitute core regional council responsibilities including environmental and resource management, pollution control, solid waste management, water chemistry, climate change and renewable energy.

I bring analytical thinking, a commitment to sound collaborative decision-making and financial management and a track-record in community engagement and public communication.

I stand because I believe that our region deserves the best environmental stewardship as well as practical, evidence-based leadership that enhances our environmental and economic sustainability.

More info: www.votevictorluca.com