It's time to whakamanahia tāu kupu ki tāu pōti – put your vote where your mouth is!

Voting to fill the 32 positions in Western Bay of Plenty District Council's 2022 elections is now open.

On Saturday October 8 the Western Bay will go to the polls to elect a mayor, 11 councillors and 20 community board members.

Council CEO John Holyoake says council asked for people from all walks of life to stand up - and they did, 59 candidates in total.

"Now it's your turn to be part of Generation Change and help shape the district's future," says John.

It's equally important that residents and ratepayers take the opportunity to participate in local democracy to make sure their voices are heard, he adds.

'This is all about using your voice and your heart to decide who you want to represent your community for the next three years.

'If you want the best for the Western Bay we need your vote – no excuses!” says John.

Voting packs will be arriving in letterboxes between Friday September 16 and Wednesday 21 September, and John is encouraging voters to have a read of the included candidate booklet to find out more about those standing.

'We're keen for you to get to know the people vying for your votes, so we've added extra information about the candidates on our website to help you make an informed decision – head to generationchange.nz for more.

'You can also go back and watch Council's first ever Meet the Candidate Debate series online too - one for each ward and one for the mayoralty," says John.

"The only way to vote is by completing the voting forms you receive in your letterbox."

Then either post them in the mail or drop them at any of Council's library and service centres:

Barkes Corner Head Office, 1484 Cameron Road, Tauranga
Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre, 106 Beach Road, Waihī Beach
The Centre - Pātuki Manawa, 21 Main Road, Katikati
Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre, 28 Western Avenue, Ōmokoroa
Te Puke Library and Service Centre, 130 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke

Voting closes at noon on Saturday October 8, and if you're posting your vote, you'll need to do this by 5pm Tuesday October 4 to ensure it's received in time.

If you don't receive your voting pack in the mail by September 21, you can request a special voting pack to be posted out to you. This can be done at Council's library and service centres, calling 0800 926 732 or contacting Council's Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske on 09 973 5212 or dale.ofsoske@electionservices.co.nz.

And remember, he utu iti tō te kōrero, he utu kore tō te pōti – talk is cheap, voting is free. So get out and vote whānau!