Western Bay of Plenty District Council is flipping the script on how local elections are communicated.

In 2025 the traditional pre-election report has been replaced with a new digital dashboard — designed to make the council clearer, closer and easier to understand.

The pre-election report, which is now live, has traditionally been a printed booklet, available at the council’s libraries and service centres.

But this election people can tap into an interactive, mobile-friendly dashboard, housed on the council’s Your Place Tō wāhi platform - the same online space where people can already explore local projects, see what’s happening in their communities, and have their say on key issues.

“This is about helping people feel informed and confident about the choices they make this election — whether that’s deciding who to vote for, or considering standing for council themselves,” council CEO Miriam Taris said.

“We know council can sometimes feel distant or complicated. Our job is to change that. We want people to see how local decisions connect to the things that matter most in their everyday lives.”

The dashboard provides a hub where people can easily click through the topics that interest them — from major infrastructure and growth plans to the council’s finances and future direction.

“We’re a district that’s growing and changing fast.

“Since the 2022 elections our population is more diverse, more digitally connected, and our towns are evolving in different ways. This dashboard is one way we’re adapting how we communicate and connect with our communities - helping bring better understanding of what council is doing and how people can be part of shaping that mahi.”

And for those considering standing for council — as mayor, councillor or community board member — the dashboard is designed to give a clear picture of the role, the responsibilities and the big decisions that lie ahead.

“It’s important that anyone thinking of standing has a clear understanding of the commitment involved — but also the opportunity it brings to make a real difference."

The dashboard includes:

- Snapshots of major projects like the Ōmokoroa Intersection upgrade, Te Puke Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Te Puke and Te Puna Spatial Plans.

- Simple, easy-to-follow explanations of the council’s finances and planning.

- An overview of the new council structure for 2025 — including the reduction in councillors from 11 to 9 and new community board subdivisions to ensure fairer, more balanced representation across the rohe.

- Details on the introduction of the Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward — giving Māori whānau on the Māori electoral roll the opportunity to elect a dedicated representative to the council table.

- Updates on key issues such as water reform and other national policy changes shaping the future of local government.

- Real examples of how council decisions impact community outcomes — from parks and roads to water, housing, and climate resilience.

- Information on the responsibilities of elected members and how key planning tools like the Long-Term Plan (LTP) and Annual Plan (AP) shape the decisions that affect everyday life.

For more information visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections