Tauranga City Council is hosting an information evening this coming Monday, February 19, to help prepare people who are interested in standing as elected members in the city’s first Local Body Elections since 2019.

With the Commission appointed by the previous Government coming to an end this July, the city is set to elect a mayor, eight councillors for the city's eight general wards – and, for the first time, a Māori councillor for the new Te Awanui Māori ward. 

The new council’s term will run from July 2024 through to October 2028, and this extended term will create a unique opportunity for the incoming council to contribute to the city of the future.  

Tauranga City Council chief executive Marty Grenfell says the purpose of the Candidate Information Evening is to provide an opportunity for prospective candidates to understand what they can expect as mayor or a councillor.

“While standing for public office is a big decision to make, it comes with many rewarding opportunities,” says Marty.  

Helpful insights 

Monday night’s agenda will include helpful insights from Marty and the Commissioners, a governance expert, our Electoral Officer, past and present councillors from other councils, tangata whenua, community groups and some of Council’s key partners.

The evening will also provide information on the nomination and campaign aspects of the election, and information on what to expect if elected. 

Tauranga’s Local Body Elections election will be held on Saturday, July 20, and people who are interested in the future of Tauranga are encouraged to put their names forward when nominations open on Friday, April 26.

Marty says Tauranga is home to people from diverse backgrounds with rich experience, making the city a fantastic place to live, which he expects will deliver a strong and capable group of elected representatives.

An important step 

“The Commission appointed by the previous Government has made some big decisions to address the Tauranga’s longstanding infrastructure deficit and we thank the Commissioners for their work, which is delivering the programme of work we need to address our fast-growing city’s needs,” says Marty.

“Their term ends in July, at which time a Mayor and nine councillors will be elected.  

Marty says this is an important step for Tauranga.

“Residents are acutely aware of the challenges that result from our housing under-supply and our ongoing traffic congestion issues.

“We’re asking people to start thinking about whether they might like to stand as a candidate, or if they have someone in mind who would do a great job of representing our community, to make sure they’re nominated.”

To register attendance for the Candidate Information Evening, or for more information about this year’s election, visit council’s Election webpage at: https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/about-your-council/elections-2024