Elections 2013: Rotorua's regional council candidates

Rotorua electors are set to choose who will represent them at the regional council table in the upcoming elections.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is made up of 14 elected members, five from Tauranga and two each from the Western Bay of Plenty, Eastern Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.

There are three Maori electorates: Kohi, Mauao and Okurei (Rotorua), with one member elected from each.

Rotorua is currently represented by Neil Oppatt and Lyall Thurston. The Okurei Maori seat is held by Tai Eru.

Regional councillors are elected using the first past the post electoral system, meaning the candidates with the most votes are the ones elected.

The regional council chairman receives $130,750 a year, while councillors receive $52,000.

Voting documents are being sent to registered electors between today and September 25. Voters must make their postal vote in time to ensure their documents are received no later than midday Saturday, October 12, the official election day.

Preliminary results will be released that afternoon.

For candidate profiles see www.boprc.govt.nz.

The candidates:
Rotorua general:
Don Hammond (new)
Neil Oppatt (incumbent)
Lyall Thurston (incumbent)
Okurei Maori:
Tai Eru (incumbent)
Lana Ngawhika (new)
Arapeta Tahana (new)
Leith Pirika Comer (new)