May 27, 2024
Hall in huge field for Tauranga election
Fifteen hopefuls have put their names forward to be Tauranga’s next mayor after the election on July 20.
The city has been run by commissioners for the past five years after the former council was sacked.
Singer Ria Hall was first to put her name forward, as well as stadig for the Papamoa ward, but the field filled up fast.
Other contenders include Olympic rowing gold medallist Mahé Drysdale, his cousin and former Bay of Plenty regional councillor Doug Owens, former mayor Greg Brownless and former deputy mayor Tina Salisbury.
Seventy one people are standing for the 19 council positions in nine wards, including another former mayor, Tenby Powell, an his deputy mayor Larry Baldock.
There are three candidates for Te Awanui Maori Ward: Suaree Borell, Ashley Hillis and Mikaere Sydney.