NZ Local Elections 2025

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.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Don Thwaites

Don Thwaites

Suaree Borell

Suaree Borell

Toitū te whenua - Toitū te Tiriti

Grant Dally

Grant Dally

Basics Done Better

John Holyoake

John Holyoake

Independent

Danielle Borell-Faa'soo

Danielle Borell-Faa'soo

James Denyer

James Denyer

Margaret Murray-Benge

Margaret Murray-Benge

Independent

Rodney Joyce

Rodney Joyce

Independent

Rodney Joyce

Independent

| Western Bay District Councillor - Katikati/Waihi Beach

Rodney Joyce

Independent

| Western Bay District Councillor - Katikati/Waihi Beach

Why I'm standing

I stood for council because I believe that costs at our council need to be brought under control. I believe we need to focus on basic services and develop an open, transparent political culture in the Western Bay. I believe we need to listen more to residents and be more modest in our approach, rather than top-down, council knows best.

About me

I have a business background in reorganising and improving complex projects and teams that have problems. I believe this experience is directly applicable to our council. I believe my first three years on council have reinforced the need to undertake real change led by someone who is not interested in business as usual.

My priorities
  1. Review and reform council into a focused, efficient organisation dedicated to core services.
  2. Open the windows and let the community in through transparent decision making and open communication.
  3. Enable increased housing and light industry to bring down the cost of living and open up jobs.
Current role

Western Bay District Councillor - Katikati/Waihi Beach

Residence

Katikati

Age

59

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Why I'm standing

I stood for council because I believe that costs at our council need to be brought under control. I believe we need to focus on basic services and develop an open, transparent political culture in the Western Bay. I believe we need to listen more to residents and be more modest in our approach, rather than top-down, council knows best.

About me

I have a business background in reorganising and improving complex projects and teams that have problems. I believe this experience is directly applicable to our council. I believe my first three years on council have reinforced the need to undertake real change led by someone who is not interested in business as usual.

My priorities
  1. Review and reform council into a focused, efficient organisation dedicated to core services.
  2. Open the windows and let the community in through transparent decision making and open communication.
  3. Enable increased housing and light industry to bring down the cost of living and open up jobs.
Current role

Western Bay District Councillor - Katikati/Waihi Beach

Residence

Katikati

Age

59

Connect via

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