Candidates finalised for upcoming local body elections

August 2025

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council has released its finalised list of candidates for the upcoming local body elections.

Regional Council Governance Manager Steve Groom says he is really pleased with the number and diversity of nominations that have come in, and that there will be an election in each of the Regional Council constituencies.

“We have more nominations than we received in 2022 and I really applaud everyone who made the call to put themselves out there,” he says. “Now that people know who is standing in their constituency, it’s time to learn more about them and what they are standing for.”

Voting packs will be in the post from Tuesday 9 September, with voting closing on Saturday 11 October at 12pm.

“There will be information about where and how to vote in the voting pack, as well as a booklet with each candidate’s short profile,” Mr Groom says. “We’ll also have a list of known Meet the Candidate events available on our website for people who are looking to find out more about who is standing.”

For community groups thinking about hosting these events, the Regional Council has a small amount of funding available to help with some of the costs involved, up to $500 for each event.

“Good information is the enabler of democracy, so we want to support these events. If you are planning one, check to see whether it’s eligible for this funding. There are criteria which must be met, so not all will be eligible, but it’s worth taking a look.”

Information about this funding is available on the Regional Council’s website at www.boprc.govt.nz/elections

Mr Groom says the focus for the Regional Council will now move to the voting space.

“We want to make sure people have as much information as possible around how to vote and where they can do that, so closer to voting packs being sent out we’ll have an interactive map available on our website where people can find a post box or voting bin near to them. Depending on where you live, this may include supermarkets, council offices and libraries.

“The 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 you value in the people who represent you. We encourage everyone to now take the time to learn more about the candidates so that they can make an informed decision about who will represent them for the next three years.”

ENDS

Full candidate list

Western Bay of Plenty Regional Constituency (2 vacancies)

Cathi Barker
Neil Parker
John Scrimgeour
Ken Shirley

Tauranga Regional Constituency (5 vacancies)

Shelley Archibald
Vanessa Charman-Moore
Stuart Crosby
Glenn Dougal
Kate Graeme
Caitlin Grattan
Murray Guy
Daniel Harvey
Ash Hillis
Annika Lane
Kat Macmillan
Tim Maltby
Clinton Naude
Douglas Owens
Ron Scott
Derek Stembridge
Andrew von Dadelszen
Mark Wassung

Rotorua Regional Constituency (2 vacancies)

Daryn Bean
Roana Bennett
Nick Chater
Tamati Coffey
Anna Grayling (nee Heap)
Rose Hiha-Agnew
Raj Kumar
Stuart McManaway
Jude Pani
Lyall Thurston
Brett Wilson

Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Constituency (2 vacancies)

Malcolm Campbell
Adrian Gault
Jessica Sneha Gray
Sarah van der Boom

Mauao Māori Regional Constituency (1 vacancy)

Matemoana McDonald
Paora Stanley
Ange Webster

Ōkūrei Māori Regional Constituency (1 vacancy)

Cyrus Tauahika Hingston
Allan Iwi Te Whau
Te Taru White

Kōhi Māori Regional Constituency (1 vacancy)

Karamea (Chris) Insley
Mawera Karetai
Ngapera Rangiaho
Jackie Te Amo-Te Kurapa

Key dates

Tuesday 9 September 2025: voting documents posted out, voting opens
Saturday 11 October 2025: voting closes at 12 noon
Saturday 11 October 2025: preliminary results available
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 October 2025: declaration of final results

For further media information, please contact media@boprc.govt.nz

Candidate contact details are available at electionz.com