Five candidates have been confirmed for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Eastern Bay general constituency by-election next month.
The candidates are former regional councillor Toi Iti, Victor Luca, Jessica Sneha Gray, Richard Collins and Dayle Hunia.
Regional Council Chief Executive Fiona McTavish acknowledges the commitment of those who have put their name forward.
“Councillors play an important role in shaping the future of the region, and it’s encouraging to see people willing to put themselves forward for the role.”
McTavish said voting packs will include candidate profiles.
Candidates have also been invited to record a short video answering a set of questions, with the videos to be published before voting opens.
She said the Regional Council is offering support to local organisations wanting to organise meet-the-candidates events during the by-election.
“We have up to $500 available per event to cover some of the costs associated with hosting these.”
McTavish said this gives voters in the Eastern Bay constituency the opportunity to choose who will represent them for the remainder of the Council term.
She said community input is especially important while reforms to local government are being considered.
“Alongside Simplifying Local Government, our usual business needs to continue, and it’s important that any decisions are made with full representation in place.”
Voting packs will be mailed from Monday, 24 August, and voting closes at midday on Friday, 25 September.
Roadside Drug Testing Now Operating Across Eastern Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty Scam Prompts Fresh Police Warning
New Partnership Creates Learning and Training Pathways for Local Communities
Whakatāne Fault Mapping Project Aims to Strengthen Natural Hazard Planning
