May 06, 2024
Ria Hall brings inclusive vision to Tauranga mayoral race
Māori musician Ria Hall says seeing Māori mayors around the country has inspired her to put her hands up for Tauranga’s top job.
She hopes standing for the mayoralty in the July election will inspire more Māori to get involved with local politics in New Zealand’s fastest-growing city.
She’s promoting a vision for Tauranga as a more connected, inclusive, and understanding community with a focus on sustainable solutions for infrastructure and growth.
“As long as I’m going in with a vision to unify and to enable a connected community across the board I think I’m already on a pathway to something really positive there. So that’s the foundation for my campaign,” she says.
Ria Hall is also standing for the Papamoa ward, and she’s studying for a masters degree in regional development with the University of Auckland.
Tauranga has been run by commissioners for the past three years after the previous dysfunctional council was sacked by the local government minister.