Five candidates have put their names forward to contest a Bay of Plenty Regional Council byelection to fill the vacant Eastern Bay general constituency seat.

The byelection was triggered by the recent death of councillor Malcolm Campbell and will determine who serves the remainder of the 2025-2028 council term.

The candidates are Toi Iti, Victor Luca, Jessica Sneha Gray, Richard Collins and Dayle Hunia.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive Fiona McTavish said it was encouraging to see people willing to stand for public office.

“Councillors play an important role in shaping the future of the region, and it’s encouraging to see people willing to put themselves forward for the role.”

Voting packs will be mailed from Monday, August 24, with voting closing at midday on Friday, September 25.

Voting information, including details on how and where to cast a ballot, will be included in the packs. Voters will also receive candidate profiles outlining each contender’s background and priorities.

McTavish said candidates would be invited to record short videos answering a set of questions, which will be made available on the council’s website closer to the opening of voting.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive Fiona McTavish. Photo / George Novak

The council is also offering financial support for community groups interested in hosting candidate forums before the election.

“We have up to $500 available per event to cover some of the costs associated with hosting these, so if anyone is interested I encourage them to visit our website where information will be available soon,” she said.

McTavish said the byelection gives residents in the Eastern Bay constituency an opportunity to choose who will represent them during a period of significant local government change.

“Alongside Simplifying Local Government, our usual business needs to continue, and it’s important that any decisions are made with full representation in place,” she said.