Whakatane's Mayor says the directors of the Town Vision Board have been picked for their passions for the town, even if they're not from the Eastern Bay.

The Mayor's comments follow criticism about there being little local representation on the board.

But Colin Holmes says the successful applicants are well suited for the position.

He says the directors aren't doing the job for the money, but because they have a real interest in Whakatane.

Colin Holmes says a common thought among the new directors is that Whakatane is too nice a place to get it wrong.