Five people are standing for the vacant Mount/Papamoa ward seat on Tauranga City Council.
The candidates nominated at noon today are: Leanne Brown, Murray Guy, Matua Parkinson, Janet Peters and Clare Wilson.
Murray Guy is one of five candidates running for the vacant Mount/Papamoa seat next year.
Papamoa resident and former Mount Mainstreet manager Leanne Brown announced her intention to stand for Clayton Mitchell's former ward seat on October 31.
Leanne, who is marketing manager for the Bethlehem Town Centre, says she announced early because she wanted to be fair to her current employer – as well as getting her name out before the holiday season.
'It's also a way of removing speculation,” says Leanne. 'If you know you are going to run you might as well say, otherwise it just makes things more complicated.
Former Tauranga City Councillor Murray Guy's nomination was confirmed this morning.
He was put forward by Leigh Pettigrew and seconded by David Barnett of the Papamoa ratepayers association.
Murray says storm water, tsunami response infrastructure and roading issues in the Mount/Papamoa ward are three areas of significant concern for him and must receive greater prioritisation by the city council.
Candidates do not have to be resident in the electorate.
Matua Parkinson is a former professional sportsman, having played rugby league for the Canterbury Bulldogs, captained the NZ Sevens teams and played rugby in Japan as well as for the Steamers.
Alongside his brother he owned Crème Bay in Mount Maunganui until 2008, and is currently a member of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board.
Janet Peters is an Oceanbeach Road resident who says she's passionate about the area, has skills to offer regarding getting things done and the ability to make sensible decisions.
Her background is in psychology, and she currently works on the mental health initiative with John Kirwin.
A resident for some years, Janet has known the area since she was a child in Hamilton and began coming to the area for summer holidays.
Clare Wilson is a Mount Maunganui resident and a teacher at Mount Maunganui College. She has previously campaigned for Labour and was the Bay of Plenty candidate in the National elections.
Previous incumbent Clayton Mitchell was one of two Mount/Papamoa ward councillors, and resigned on October 20 - the day he was sworn in as a member of parliament.
Postal voting opens on Monday January 26 next year and will close at midday on Tuesday 17 February. Enrolments for the by-election close at 4pm on Monday February 16.
Special voting facilities will be available during normal office hours at the Tauranga City Council office, 91 Willow Street, Tauranga from January 26 until noon on February 17, 2015.
46 comments
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Posted on 22-12-2014 15:04 | By whatsinaname
go murray
New blood
Posted on 22-12-2014 15:16 | By expatAucklander
Please no more career small-town politicians. We need someone who can drag Tauranga kicking and screaming into the 21st century...
Chuckin it in!
Posted on 22-12-2014 15:53 | By Theway
So has Leanne Brown given notice to quit to her current employer or not? Or does she want her job back as a second option if see does not get elected? Must have an understanding boss!! I should try that with my employer if I want to go for other jobs!
Let's hope Mounties see through this guy??
Posted on 22-12-2014 16:42 | By Councillorwatch
Murray has plenty to say about personal agendas, hidden agendas, bias, integrity and heaps of other political cliches. I hope the Mount and Papamoa people choose someone who actually lives in our ward, not a political opportunist.
Councillorwatch
Posted on 22-12-2014 16:56 | By YOGI BEAR
Good comment there, but is there any of the candidates in a different category as yet?
@Councillorwatch....
Posted on 22-12-2014 17:59 | By Jimmy Ehu
your axe has ground down to nothing in your dispersions of Mr Murray, and some may actually be correct.... but for mine you have no credibility, as to hide behind a facade and openly slander someone is cowardly, so front up you "pussy" and have a go at him, face to face, just let me know when so I can be there.
New Blood x 2
Posted on 22-12-2014 20:32 | By mickey mouse
For goodness sake Mount/Papamoa,vote someone new and exciting onto the council.Not tired old has beens.
Go Murray
Posted on 22-12-2014 21:11 | By earlybird
Preferably somewhere else - you've had your turn and you got slung out. Move on.
Slander?
Posted on 22-12-2014 21:49 | By earlybird
Jimmy Ehu says that Councillorwatch has slandered Murray Guy. Really. I've read his comments over and over. I didn't see and slanderous comment. Jimmy, look up slander in the dictionary
Still looking for a job Murray
Posted on 22-12-2014 22:09 | By The Sage
Try out of town.
From an outsiders point of view
Posted on 22-12-2014 22:09 | By The Caveman
And as a long term ratepayer in Tga (40 years plus) although I currently live in Wellington, as far I am concerned Murray Guy has his hand on the issues in Tga - excessive council spending on NO core council activities (the Waka, for a start). Its time the Council was called to account for its Noncore spending that does NOT benefit John & Mary RATEPAYEER. He has my vote.
The question
Posted on 22-12-2014 23:01 | By FunandGames
so who is the best, are any of them true contenders?
Murray
Posted on 23-12-2014 01:13 | By YOGI BEAR
A victim of the other misfits also turfed out last year. Add to that the public desire to get rid of the inconsistent moaners ... result goneburger ....
Not Murray again!
Posted on 23-12-2014 05:36 | By monty1212
Retire gracefully Murray. Youve done nothing but moan and criticize anything the Council does since you parted company with them and we could all do with some new blood within the ranks and not the same old same old yawners!
Carpetbagger
Posted on 23-12-2014 07:41 | By MOULTRIE
Murray, do you live in the Ward and if so what is your address ? Irwin
@ Mr Ehu
Posted on 23-12-2014 09:55 | By Councillorwatch
I certainly don't "slander" anyone. I do point out what come people say and compare it to what they have said, or their actions over other matters. I like consistency. Try reading back through what Mr Guy says or insinuates and then make your judgement on what I say or ask. In my opinion Murray is very quick to have a go at the "new" council and I too am critical of some of its expenditure. But I also remember the $5million spent on a cash injection to Baypark and the purchase of a Speedway business when Mr Guy was a councillor. I want a straight answer from him over which way he voted on both. If that question offends you, or you call that "slander," too bad.
Not a lot to pick from!
Posted on 23-12-2014 11:37 | By BJ
Seriously, is this all that we have got available in this most critical Tauranga Ward? The key to our Tourism industry. We must vote for a Mount or Papamoa resident, and preferably a candidate who can do something constructive for the Ward. No more hacks or fly by nights! We shouldn't be having a by-election, but don't blame me, I voted for David Stewart! What a pity he's not standing again, at least he cared about the Ward!
Oh we are so grateful Murray Guy
Posted on 23-12-2014 12:11 | By CynIcke
I'm sure Mounties and Papamoans are so grateful and thankful to Murray Guy for standing against local candidates for their ward. Mount and Papamoans just love an outsider who knows how to best represent them? Thank heavens you didn't get the nod from Winston or this opportunity to serve us again on Council would have been lost. We must also thank the two men who live in the ward who urged you to stand. It must have been such a tough decision for you to try and go on the public payroll again. What a surprise when in your words one of these highly respected gentlemen turned up at your home and told you "they wanted the best person to represent them." A pity I think that these two gentlemen don't seem to have been able to find a fresh and talented local candidate.
Janet Peters
Posted on 23-12-2014 12:19 | By carpedeum
My reply to Micky Mouse is- YES I agree - and this is exactly why we are supporting Janet Peters- she is fresh - intelligent-does not suffer fools gladly and has a REAL passion for PEOPLE.Well balanced and NOT a glory seeker. JUST WHAT WE NEED HERE AT THE MOUNT
Carpetbagger
Posted on 23-12-2014 17:23 | By MOULTRIE
Rejected by the National party, rejected by New Zealand First and rejected by the voters of Tauranga Will he ever learn ? Irwin
Hey Wayne Moultrie
Posted on 23-12-2014 18:13 | By Murray.Guy
Wayne Moultrie comments / asks, "Carpetbagger Posted on 23-12-2014 07:41 | By maltznz ... Murray, do you live in the Ward and if so what is your address ? Irwin ... Wayne, who is Irwin? NO Wayne, as you are aware I do not live within the Ward, despite spending a lot of time in the Ward going to bat for the people that live in it and the protection and enhancement of the area. Fortunately, it seems, in contrast to a few like minded anonymous nasty's (see below) we have many within the Ward who are looking for meaningful representation. I was asked, I accepted and the voting community will decide. Will be quite okay with the outcome.
I guess
Posted on 23-12-2014 18:52 | By Capt_Kaveman
some are not standing because they believe the next highest polling candidate should be automatically be seated
.
Posted on 24-12-2014 04:48 | By Jimmy Ehu
still you hide Councillorwatch....get it out in the open, if you think Mr Murray is a political opportunist ( nah not slander) tell him face to face, not continuously sniping like a spoilt scared weasel, or are you wanting to stand for the Mount/Papamoa ward?, and are just clearing the path.....if you want to hold Murray responsible for the Baypark fiasco thats your issue, but most of us are way over it.
Murray!?
Posted on 24-12-2014 08:06 | By dbunk
The saying you never know the toes you stand on might soon be in the shoes your shining comes to mind here. After seeing your carry on opposing the boardwalk and other positive changes here in the Bay you will have tiddly squat of my vote.
@Jimmy
Posted on 24-12-2014 08:58 | By Councillorwatch
A political opportunist is someone who sees a political opportunity and takes it. What's so slanderous about that? I don't hold Murray Guy responsible for Baypark. The Council is responsible for it. But when I see Murray criticise Council expenditure I think its fair to remind us about the expenditure that he might have been part of? I've asked about his councillor vote on two issues. First the $5 million cash injection to Baypark and second the purchase of a Speedway business. Call me old fashioned and ethical but I like consistency on issues when it comes to ratepayers money. Finally Jimmy, try and look at issues and arguments rather than the people. What's important is the point people make, not the people making them. If the majority of us vote someone outside the ward to represent us, then I'll accept that of course.
Carpetbagger
Posted on 24-12-2014 09:54 | By MOULTRIE
Murray, focus on the message not the messenger. Irwin
Maybe a step towards city wide voting?
Posted on 24-12-2014 12:33 | By Annalist
I'm taking a different twist on this business of a non-papamoa/mount resident running for election in the Mount Papamoa Ward. Maybe this will be used as a stepping stone to abolish the wards and just electing councillors over the whole city at large? After all if councillors are elected to represent the whole town, then why have wards at all?
Annalist re Wards vs At Large
Posted on 24-12-2014 15:07 | By Murray.Guy
Tauranga City Council, by majority, did vote to remove Wards back in 2010 and this was overturned by the Local Government Commission following community submissions. Wards identify areas of distinct difference, this this case the coastal margins. A Ward Councillor is similar to having a 'personal banker, point of contact' at your chosen bank. Having that person should give you a greater sense of being listened to, your requests acted on. A Ward Councillor is legally obliged to ensure his/her contribution is to secure the very best outcomes for the city, but can and should, say in the case of the Mt/Papamoa Ward, advocate on behalf of the Ward where it's considered it may not be getting it's fair share of the infrastructure investment. For example, in my opinion the coastal strip should receive higher priority in regards stormwater, roading, safe cycling, tsunami infrastructure than presently applies.
Choose a local councillor, not an import
Posted on 25-12-2014 12:09 | By CynIcke
Murray, I think there's a big difference between a personal banker and a ward councillor. I'm amazed that anyone could think an outsider could possibly be better aware of issues than a good local candidate. Surely there are capable Mounties and Papamoans without having to import a Taurangian/Te Papian to tell them what's best for them? I'd love to hear from the two "highly respected" gentlemen nominators. Respected by who, exactly, Murray? How much faith do they have in their own local community?
Clarity for CynIcke role of a Councillor
Posted on 25-12-2014 20:11 | By Murray.Guy
CynIcke says, "Surely there are capable Mounties and Papamoans without having to import a Taurangian/Te Papian to tell them what's best for them?" An effective Ward Councillor is about listening and responding, advocating! The 'old guard', some staff and a few newbies do retain the philosophy of 'we know best', secrecy and minimalistic consultation BUT not myself and never has been.
Really Murray Guy?
Posted on 26-12-2014 11:06 | By CynIcke
Sticking to the issue, surely someone who listens, responds and advocates for their ward should actually live there. Nothing personal and I'm sure you're keen to get back on council. About $70k a year for the hours put in is pretty good. I'd still like to hear from the "highly respected gentlemen" as to why they thought you were the best option out of goodness knows how many actual residents. Importing someone from big brother Tauranga seems like a slap in the face for Mount Papamoa's self identity and ability.
Re: Local Candidates debate
Posted on 26-12-2014 13:41 | By Pamaxx
Janet Peters is an excellent (local Mount resident) standing for the electorate. Janet, by her own definition is a people person and brings an outstanding record Her background is in psychology. She currently works on the mental health (depression) initiative with Sir John Kirwin.Janet will bring a new different perspective to council deliberations. Max Lewis, Mt Maunganui.
Not Much Choice Really
Posted on 26-12-2014 19:39 | By Jitter
Matua Parkinson is already a member of the Bay of Plenty Health Board. If he wins this council seat does he intend to give up the Health Board position ? Councillors positions are full time jobs so he will not have time for the Health Board position. David Stuart tried to do both and was not really successful. I will be interested to hear what his decision is if he is successful in winning the council seat.
Murray Guy
Posted on 26-12-2014 19:43 | By Jitter
Give it a rest Murray. You are not from The Mount or Papamoa. We want a local to represent us on TCC with Steve Morris not an interloper from over the harbour.
Understatement
Posted on 27-12-2014 18:41 | By YOGI BEAR
Jitter, there is "nothing" to choose from in this lot, what a motely crew it is, no wonder the voters can not be bothered voting, the choice is so hard, who on earth could you bring yourself to put a tick on the page for. I would be in favour in fact of having a box that says "I abstain from casting a vote as no one is worthy of it ..."
Arguments gone a bit quiet
Posted on 31-12-2014 10:50 | By Annalist
I'm beginning to think that getting rid of wards is the way to go. We are one city anyway and we all pay rates. The Mount and Papamoa have tended to see themselves as special, which is fine, so it will be interesting to see which way the byelection goes and if they choose a local councillor or the man from Tauranga. Not a lot of real choice. I guess there will be lots of promises about how the candidates will take care of their special ward and how their lives were leading up to this service to their community.
Annalist
Posted on 04-01-2015 15:23 | By YOGI BEAR
usual BS trail that occurs at election time, same ... same ... here we go again.
Annalist
Posted on 05-01-2015 13:12 | By YOGI BEAR
A waste of time and space that is why.
Go to the Public Meetings
Posted on 09-01-2015 15:03 | By carpedeum
I really think that all you negative"nay-sayers" around the people offering themselves for election as the Mount Councillor should hold your opinions until you have been to the Public Meet the Candidate Meeting in your area, listen,observe,ask any questions and make your decision then.Its so easy to sit back and be derogatory when (I am sure) you have not even met them all- let alone listened to their personal philosophy and strengths which they will bring.
Mount By-Election candidates
Posted on 11-01-2015 12:56 | By Pamaxx
Well said, how many of these naysayers will actually make the effort to attend candidate meetings? much less vote. Armchair critics like these don't contribute anything to the quality of our city. Max Lewis, Mt Maunganui.
carpedeum and pamaxx
Posted on 14-01-2015 11:30 | By YOGI BEAR
Yes I know them all, have been to meetings in the past and seen who they are what they are about, there is no doubt at all that the commentaries below totally understate the concerns that are expressed here. you all should be very worried, very very worried indeed.
What About the NEW ONE
Posted on 14-01-2015 12:41 | By carpedeum
Hey there Yogi Bear - it may have escaped your notice but there is a NEW and FRESH and WELL QUALIFIED Candidate in the running this time. Her name is Janet Peters-she a real people person with valuable points of view-not just a follower or a YES MAN/WOMAN Highly qualified in her field- very worth checking out before you cast your vote.
carpedeum
Posted on 14-01-2015 13:15 | By YOGI BEAR
A Psychologist, yes there are some useful skills there and I am sure that many would cue up for help, the longer they have been there the more help that they will need of course to be deprogrammed and purified. However there is no indication of the skill required to manage a large organisation such as TCC. She certainly would be able to assist with the Physco games and posturing that goes on each and every day.
Vriety of People with Variety of Skills
Posted on 15-01-2015 13:00 | By carpedeum
My understaning about ANY big organisation includingTCC is that each member contributes to that portion/area in which the have specific skills.eg- Gail McIntosh is an Accountant, Bev Edlin has a Doctorate in Governance.Certainly Janet has PEOPLE SKILLS - the entire City is comprised of PEOPLE -think that well qualifies her to be there.Just have a look at the impact of her project which she initiated with Sir John Kirwan around depression- RESULTS PLUS
RESULTS PLUS
Posted on 16-01-2015 11:32 | By YOGI BEAR
We are yet to see the results of the existing Councilors turn out a favourable result for ratepayers as yet, the jury is still out on that one. As for TCC the skills desperately needed are: - financial and management skills, this needs to start at the top, with a policy of conform of leave.
Conform or leave ...
Posted on 16-01-2015 17:29 | By YOGI BEAR
I think it is reasonable to say that the voters of recent years have made their choices rather clear for a number of those standing now in the Mount ward. take those ex use by daters out and not a lot left now is there.
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