Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Western Bay of Plenty District Council mayoral election.

Margaret Murray-Benge

Independent

| Kaimai Ward Councillor & Chair of Community Committee

Margaret Murray-Benge

Independent

| Kaimai Ward Councillor & Chair of Community Committee

Why I'm standing

I am standing as I want to change the structure so the councillors are in control and not staff, as is the case now. People first and making sure the mayor's door is open to work with the community, ensuring together with staff we solve problems as quickly as possible. Providing more land to make sure young people can afford to live in our district, which they cannot do now. Too expensive.

About me

I was first elected in 1977 after I had shifted a tennis club from its own land and re-established it on a public park very successfully. Second woman ever and six years later I became its first female chairman. With years of experience, I have much to offer, be it working with ratepayers and solving their challenges with staff. Our council needs respected leadership, which we don't have. I want to work with councillors too.

My priorities
  1. Make housing a priority as young people cannot afford to live here due to the cost of land.
  2. Ensure rating increases are no more than the rate of inflation, aiming to achieve this within two years.
  3. Improve rural roading by working closely with NZTA to improve access on and off the highway and build bypasses.
Current role

Kaimai Ward Councillor & Chair of Community Committee

Residence

Bethlehem

Age

100

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I am standing as I want to change the structure so the councillors are in control and not staff, as is the case now. People first and making sure the mayor's door is open to work with the community, ensuring together with staff we solve problems as quickly as possible. Providing more land to make sure young people can afford to live in our district, which they cannot do now. Too expensive.

About me

I was first elected in 1977 after I had shifted a tennis club from its own land and re-established it on a public park very successfully. Second woman ever and six years later I became its first female chairman. With years of experience, I have much to offer, be it working with ratepayers and solving their challenges with staff. Our council needs respected leadership, which we don't have. I want to work with councillors too.

My priorities
  1. Make housing a priority as young people cannot afford to live here due to the cost of land.
  2. Ensure rating increases are no more than the rate of inflation, aiming to achieve this within two years.
  3. Improve rural roading by working closely with NZTA to improve access on and off the highway and build bypasses.
Current role

Kaimai Ward Councillor & Chair of Community Committee

Residence

Bethlehem

Age

100

Connect via