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.”

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

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