By-election confirmed for Regional Council’s Eastern Bay seat
Five candidates will contest Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s vacant Eastern Bay general constituency seat when voting opens next month.
The by-election is required following the recent passing of Councillor Malcolm Campbell and will fill the seat for the remainder of the 2025-2028 triennium.
The candidates are:
- Toi Iti
- Victor Luca
- Jessica Sneha Gray
- Richard Collins
- Dayle Hunia
Regional Council Chief Executive Fiona McTavish says she acknowledges the commitment of those who have put their name forward.
“Councillors play an important role in shaping the future of the region, and it’s encouraging to see people willing to put themselves forward for the role.”
Voting packs will be in the post from Monday 24 August, with voting closing at 12pm on Friday 25 September.
“There will be information about where and how to vote in the voting pack, as well as a sheet with each candidate’s short profile,” Ms McTavish says.
“We’ll also be offering candidates the opportunity to make a short video answering a set of questions which will be available on our website closer to when voting opens.”
Ms McTavish says the Regional Council also has a fund to offer support to any local organisations wanting to arrange a meet the candidates event for the by-election.
“We have up to $500 available per event to cover some of the costs associated with hosting these, so if anyone is interested I encourage them to visit our website where information will be available soon with more information about this.”
She says this is an opportunity for those in the Eastern Bay constituency area to have their say in choosing who represents them for the remainder of the Council term, as significant change to local government structures is worked through.
“Alongside Simplifying Local Government, our usual business needs to continue, and it’s important that any decisions are made with full representation in place.”
More information about the voting process is available on the Regional Council’s website at www.boprc.govt.nz/elections
ENDS
For further media information, please contact media@boprc.govt.nz