Western Bay of Plenty voters have a new way to get to know their local body election candidates this year, with short videos now available online.

Of the 55 people standing for the mayor, councillor and community board positions in the WBOP district, 40 have recorded a 90-second video introducing themselves and answering four questions.

The questions are: what’s the biggest challenge facing the Western Bay? Why do you think you’ve got what it takes? What’s one local issue you’d focus on in the next 12 months – and why? Lastly, in five words or less, how would you describe the Western Bay?

The videos sit alongside candidate statements online at: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections

The website allows people to browse candidates by ward, community board area, or community board subdivision, said Western Bay of Plenty District Council governance manager Robyn Garrett.

Easier

Printed candidate booklets with statements would also be sent out with voting packs, which are due to start arriving in letterboxes from September 9.

The candidate video profiles are one of several ways the council is making it easier for people to participate this election year. Other measures include an interactive, mobile-friendly digital dashboard and bright orange voting bins at key community locations, said Garrett.

She said the videos give candidates a chance to speak directly to voters in their own words and is a simple, accessible way for people to get a feel for who the candidates are.

“They are a chance for people to see and hear the people who want to represent them, not just read about them,” said Garrett.

“We know that a lack of information about candidates is one of the main reasons people don’t vote. We want people to feel confident about casting their vote and this is another way of helping people to feel informed and engaged.”

Structure change

Following a recent representation review, the council structure changed for the 2025 and 2028 elections. This year, most residents will vote for a mayor, their ward councillor(s), and their community board representatives. Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands residents will only vote for a mayor and their ward councillor(s) because they are not part of a community board area.

Voters across the Western Bay will elect one mayor (elected at large) and nine councillors, including two in Katikati–Waihī Beach Ward, three in Kaimai Ward, three in Maketu-Te Puke Ward, and one in the new Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward, which would be elected by those on the Māori Electoral Roll. Community board members would be across five boards, with new subdivisions introduced in some areas to ensure more localised representation.

New subdivisions

New subdivisions had been created in Te Puke-Eastern (Eastern Subdivision) and Ōmokoroa-Kaimai (Kaimai East and Kaimai West Subdivisions), to give these communities elected representatives and a stronger voice at the table.

Local elections are run by postal vote. Voting packs will be delivered from September 9-22. Voting closes midday on Saturday, October 11.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council uses the first past the post voting system. That means you tick the name of the person(s) you most want to represent you in each category and the candidate with the most votes wins.

Binding referendum

Alongside this election, a binding referendum would be included in voting packs asking voters to decide whether the Māori ward continues for the 2028 and 2031 elections. This referendum would sit alongside candidate information and voting materials when voting is held from September 9-October 11.

If not enrolled by August 1, residents can still enrol and vote in the election by way of a special vote. To cast a special vote, people need to visit any of council’s five library and service centres, complete a declaration and be issued special voting papers to complete and return.

To view all candidate videos, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/elections