The start of the local body elections just a few weeks away, but two nominees are already preparing to take their seats.

Sally Benning and Manvir Singh Mann were the only people to put their hands up for the two seats available for the Eastern Community Board Subdivsion of the Te Puke-Eastern Community Board, so have been elected unopposed.

The Te Puke-Eastern Community Board will be made up of two members from the Eastern Subdivision, three from the Te Puke Subdivision and one of the three Maketū-Te Puke Ward members.

Last week, Te Puke News’ Stuart Whitaker sat down with Benning to find out a little more about her, this week Whitaker spoke with Manvir Singh Mann who has been elected unopposed.

Can you tell us a bit about your background - what do you do for work, what have you previously done and where, family, how long you have been in the district and how you came to live here.

I was born in Waikato, moved down to the Bay of Plenty at a very little age, my family has always worked in the kiwifruit industry in the Te Puke area. I went to Te Puke High School for some time, then I studied horticulture at Toi Ohomai. I starting working as an orchard supervisor in Apata. Currently I am an assistant orchard manager. I love growing crops and looking after them all year round.

Have you ever previously had any other roles serving the community? If so what were they

This is my first step to serve the community

What made you want to stand for a seat on the community board?

I’m putting my name forward for a seat on the Te Puke Eastern Subdivision because I really care about this place and the people in it. Te Puke has been through a lot of change, and while that brings opportunities, it also means we need strong local voices to help guide that change in a way that works for all of us.

For me, it’s about doing the right thing for the community. I want to see better support for families, local businesses, and the everyday things that make life easier and more connected for people here. I believe in being approachable, listening properly, and making sure decisions reflect what the community actually needs and wants.

Until now, the rural area outside Te Puke hasn’t had community board representation - how do you think being included in the area covered by the community board will benefit that area?

Previously, residents may have felt overlooked or disconnected from decision-making. Community board representation gives them a direct line to local government, ensuring their needs, concerns, and ideas are heard.

What do you hope to achieve as a member of the community board?

As a member of the community board, my goal is to be a strong, practical voice for our community — especially for those who haven’t always been heard. I want to help ensure that decisions made at the board level reflect the real needs and values of the people who live here.

What do you think are the main issues facing the wider Te Puke area that the community board might influence?

Infrastructure and roading. Many rural and urban roads are under pressure from increased traffic, heavy vehicles, and development. The board can advocate for safer roads, better maintenance, and more investment in footpaths, crossings, and signage — especially in high-use rural areas and around schools.