Te Puke resident Sue Matthews is returning to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council after winning the Maketu/Te Puke Ward by about 500 votes in this week's by-election.

The former two-term Western Bay district councillor won the by-election with 1816 votes, ahead of fellow former councillors Mike Lally, who got 1318 votes and last term's Deputy Mayor Paul Thomas, who netted 843 votes.

Te Puke resident Sue Matthews won yesterday's by-election for the Western bay council's Maketu/Te Puke Ward seat.

Waihi Beach resident Derek Mills won the last seat on his town's community board in the by-election, sparked by only three people putting their hands up for four seats last October.

Derek got 484 votes in a closer win against former Katikati Community Board chair Bruce Duske, an Athenree resident, who received 355 votes.

Re-elected councillor Sue Matthews opted out of the race for a Western Bay council seat in October's elections to campaign for election in the BOP District Health Board, but didn't get elected.

Speaking to SunLive after the win, Sue says it is a huge relief to gain the seat for Maketu/Te Puke Ward.

'I really want to represent these communities well. I would like to thank those people who took the time to vote; and especially those who voted for me.”

As a past councillor, Sue knows there is always the challenge of providing what ratepayers need and want, coupled with the reality of the cost and the flow-on effect it has on rates affordability.

'Rates affordability has been the number one issue and a constant concern of people as I've been around the district campaigning.

'The other question I was often asked was my view on amalgamation – and while I will not take a proactive approach I believe Western Bay of Plenty District Council needs to be in the strongest position to ensure our ratepayers and residents still have strong representation and are a vital part of any future planning.”

Sue has lived in the Te Puke district all her life, working as a nurse at Te Puke Annexe, Plunket and Carter House. She also has a nursing degree and Masters in education; and last September was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health.

Receiving a congratulatory phone call from Western Bay Mayor Ross Paterson, she now has time to meet with him to discuss her council role.

'It will be interesting to see where the Mayor thinks my skills will be best utilised during the next three years.”

She also says she wishes Paul and Mike all the best for their futures.

'When we were canvassing we were often at the same venues and they were always very respectful – I guess it is one of the huge pluses of living in a community like ours.”

The Western Bay council's Maketu-Te Puke ward by-election came after newly-elected councillor Graeme Crossman resigned on October 22 (2013), due to family business pressures.