By-election irks acting mayor

The acting mayor of the Western Bay of Plenty is angry he has been challenged for the position and a costly by-election will have to be held.

In a surprise late entry, councillor Norm Bruning has put his name forward for the top job, rattling the other only official nominee, Ross Paterson.

Mr Paterson, who replaced Graeme Weld when he died of cancer in November, said it would have been "the common-sense outcome" for him to continue to lead the council until the 2010 elections.

Aspiring mayoral candidates should have sought the position then so a by-election costing upwards of $70,000 would not have to be held, the 65-year-old said. But Mr Bruning said council must follow the democratic process.

"It is disappointing to see that challengers have decided not to wait for the full elections ... even though the whole process has to be repeated in about 18 months," Mr Paterson said.

"It would seem that self-interest has outweighed the consideration of the extra cost burden on ratepayers of an avoidable by-election."

Nominations for the position, which governs all areas in the Western Bay apart from Tauranga - stretching from Waihi Beach to Otamarakau near Pukehina - closed on Friday.

Paterson was the first to put his hand up when nominations opened on December 19. Mr Bruning indicated his interest last month but waited until Wednesday to put his name forward.

Te Puke councillor Paul Thomas, who earlier expressed his interest, last week confirmed he would not vie for the position.

If a mayor dies more than 12 months before the next triennial election, a byelection must be held. The deputy mayor does not automatically assume the position. If a mayor dies in his second year of office the deputy automatically assumes the position until the next election.

Mr Paterson has been acting mayor since Mr Weld - who was mayor for seven years and served on the council since its its inauguration in 1989 - became sick in October.

At the last local body election Mr Weld was re-elected unopposed and no election was held.

A deer and cattle farmer in Pahoia - a rural area 22km northwest of Tauranga - Mr Paterson has been a Western Bay councillor, representing the Kaimai ward, for 13 years including six years as deputy mayor.

"Clearly, this council has a strong leadership structure in place and has continued to operate in a controlled manner under me as acting mayor," Mr Paterson said.

But Mr Bruning, who also represents the Kaimai Ward, said: "This is a democratic process that all New Zealanders value. It's a public's choice of who they want for their mayor."

The 62-year-old Omokoroa dairy farmer, who has been a councillor for 16 years, said he had no qualms about going up against his colleague.

Voters will be sent voting papers in the mail from February 13. Voting closes on March 7.

The Omokoroa Community Board seat is also open following the resignation of councillor Pete Rae.

Nominations for the seat also close today and three have been received so far.