There have been changes to the area covered by Te Puke Community Board since the last local body elections.

The Local Government Commission determined that the board’s coverage would extend to the whole of the Maketū-Te Puke general ward, excluding the area covered by Maketū Community Board.

The area covered by the board has been divided into two.

Four people are contesting the three seats available in the Te Puke subdivision – current chairwoman Kassie Ellis, current community board members Dale Snell and Karen Summerhays, and Marara Williams.

Te Puke News’ Stuart Whitaker asked each of them to tell us something about themselves.

Kassie Ellis. Photo / Supplied

Kassie Ellis

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming local body election.

As chairperson, I have been privileged to serve Te Puke with honesty, transparency and a determination to get things done. When challenges arise, I don’t sit back, I listen, I act, and I find practical solutions. My time with Western Bay of Plenty District Council is not yet complete; there is still important mahi to do for our community. While my perspectives have grown, my values and morals remain steadfast. I am standing for re-election to keep building a thriving, inclusive, productive and future-focused Te Puke.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.

What issue facing Te Puke do you feel you are best equipped to address and how do you intend to influence it?

I believe in our people and the strength of our community. Te Puke is facing real challenges, housing pressures, limited social services, missing community facilities and threats to our environment. I am best placed to tackle these because I don’t just talk; I act. By backing community-led initiatives, ensuring fair procurement and working closely with council, iwi and locals, I deliver practical solutions that truly matter. My approach is simple: listen, act, get results. I will strengthen social support, improve essential facilities, protect waterways and keep building a resilient, thriving Te Puke for everyone.

Dale Snell. Photo / Supplied

Dale Snell

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming local body election.

Every day for many years, I’ve dedicated my time to the spaces, places, wellbeing and community vibe that is Te Puke. Te Puke significantly contributes to our economy. But it is the people who bring the heart and pulse to our incredible town. Te Puke well and truly deserves a reflective slice of the economic pie. Investments and levels of service from the council need to be carefully considered to ensure progressive infrastructure in line with natural growth, with cultural and historic recognition in mind, and by maintaining high values for localism. It’s what I’m most passionate about.

What issue facing Te Puke do you feel you are best equipped to address and how do you intend to influence it?

Community boards don’t have power to solve social issues. We do have power to listen, collaborate, advocate and bring collective voices to the table. I hear you when I’m advocating for youth, working events; I hear you as I sit on a trust or committee; I hear you on the streets, on social media and when I’m volunteering. Te Puke is yelling. Our rates are too high, and our level of services are too low. What I promise if re-elected, is to continue to fiercely lobby towards a safer, stronger, connected town with localism and community voice at the forefront.

Karen Summerhays. Photo / Supplied

Karen Summerhays

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming local body election.

I have lived in Te Puke for 10 years and am a strong advocate for the town, the people and the environment. I am experienced in all facets of local government and am presently employed as a senior community development adviser. I am innovative, pragmatic and articulate. I enjoy supporting communities to achieve their aspirations and have wide-ranging understanding of the challenges the not-for-profit sector is facing. I have enjoyed working with the current community board members and would welcome the opportunity to continue to make a difference for the residents and whenua of our town.

What issue facing Te Puke do you feel you are best equipped to address and how do you intend to influence it?

The challenges of growth and increased industry in Te Puke require careful management to protect our people, our environment, our trees and our heritage from inappropriate development. I will champion the Te Puke/Eastern area to local and central government, especially in matters of housing, transport, community development and appropriate social infrastructure.

Te Puke is a unique destination with a leafy and village feel so I will focus on bringing our communities together to build on that and create a clear vison for the town.

DSCF8877 Marara Williams. Photo / Supplied

Marara Williams

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming local body election.

Kia ora, I’m Marara Williams, born and raised in Pukehina and Te Puke. I care deeply about our people and our place. With a background in social policy and community work, I bring practical experience and a strong sense of responsibility. I am someone who rolls up my sleeves and gets stuck in, whether it’s picking up rubbish or listening to whanau. I am standing because I want Te Puke to thrive, starting with the basics. A clean, cared-for town builds pride, wellbeing and connection. Together, we can make Te Puke a place we are proud to call home.

What issue facing Te Puke do you feel you are best equipped to address and how do you intend to influence it?

Rubbish is a growing issue in Te Puke, especially during kiwifruit season when waste builds up and systems fall short. I am best equipped to tackle this because I already act. I pick up litter, encourage others and spark conversations about shared responsibility. My approach is simple: lead by example, educate through action, and advocate for better systems. I will work with council, local groups and whanau to improve waste management, raise awareness and build community pride. A cleaner Te Puke isn’t just about tidiness, it is about health, mana, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

***Te Puke–Eastern Community Board will have three elected community board members from the Te Puke Subdivision, two elected community board members from the Eastern Subdivision, where Sally Benning and Manvir Singh Mann have already been elected unopposed and two appointed councillors from the Maketū-Te Puke General Ward.