Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder has announced he will not be seeking re-election this year.

Chair Leeder joined Regional Council in 2013 following 12 years serving as a Councillor at Ōpōtiki District Council and 20 years in corporate governance in the dairy industry.

Starting his career in the police force, Chair Leeder has held governance roles across many sectors. He is currently a director of the Port of Tauranga Ltd and holds appointment from the Māori Land Court as an independent committee chair. On top of that, he runs a dairy farm in Ōpōtiki.

Bringing a wealth of governance experience to the table, Chair Leeder quickly built strong connections and led the sector nationally as Chair of the Local Government Regional Sector Group, the national body representing all regional and unitary councils.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in local government – it’s very dynamic and rewarding. I would like to acknowledge and thank the incredible team of councillors and staff I have worked alongside for this term and previous terms, especially Deputy Chair Jane Nees.

“It’s a critical time for local government and a good time to pass the baton to the next generation of leadership.”

Chair Leeder says that success is measured by whether you leave an organisation better than when you found it and is proud of what he has achieved during his tenure.

“In our case, I think the appreciation from the community of what and how we do, predominantly a legislative and regulatory role, has improved. Feedback from those who interact with the Regional Council shows an appreciation that they feel they have had a fair hearing.

“That said, there is still work to be done, with confusion from many about the respective roles of regional councils and the local territory authorities – a nationwide challenge.

Regional Council Chief Executive Fiona McTavish praised Chair Leeder's leadership and dedication.

“Doug's leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Regional Council through a range of challenges and opportunities. We are incredibly thankful for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Ms McTavish says Chair Leeder has excelled in bringing viewpoints together and fostering consensus, a skill he developed over his successful and varied career.

The upcoming local body elections are being held on Saturday 11 October 2025.

Key election dates:

• Friday 4 July 2025: Candidate nominations open. Roll opens for public inspection.
• Friday 1 August 2025: Candidate nominations close at 12 noon; roll closes.
• 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.

More information about the elections is available at www.boprc.govt.nz/elections

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