BOPRC Candidates were invited to respond to an online survey sent by Manu Caddie between 15-25 August 2025.
Below is a summary of responses from those who completed the survey on time: Chris Karamea Insley, Douglas Owens, Dr. Allan Iwi Te Whau, Mawera Karetai, Kat Macmillan, Nick Chater, Ange Webster, Neil Parker, Ken Shirley, Te Taru White, Cathi Barker, Stuart Crosby, Ash Hillis, Glenn Dougal, Roana Bennett, Jude Pani, Malcolm Campbell, Caitlin Grattan, Kate Graeme, Jackie Te Amo-Te Kurapa, Vanessa Charman-Moore, Murray Guy, Cyrus Hingston, Sarah van der Boom, Mark Wassung, Brett Wilson, Lyall Thurston.
Here is a link to the individual responses (MS Excel):
And at the bottom of this page is the PDF version of the individual responses.
MEDIA RELEASE – 26 August 2025
Strong Environmental Priorities Emerge in Bay of Plenty Regional Council Candidate Survey
Over half of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council candidates responding to a new survey say the Council must step up its role in protecting the region’s natural environment. The survey sent to the 47 candidates, was released today by community advocate Manu Caddie.
All candidates said they are concerned about water pollution, with 82 per cent being extremely concerned and the balance somewhat concerned. Air pollution also registered strongly, with 26 of the 27 candidates at least somewhat concerned.
Restoring estuaries and harbours was another strong priority. 71 per cent supported increasing BOPRC funding for projects in Rangataua, Waihī and Ōhiwa Harbours, while only one candidate opposed additional investment.
On biodiversity, a clear majority said the Council is currently putting too little into indigenous biodiversity protection and restoration.
Candidates also expressed strong views on governance and planning.
- 57% oppose the privatisation of public infrastructure and services.
- 54% were “definitely keen” on exploring legal recognition of the Rights of Nature within BOPRC planning, with only 18% opposed.
- On monitoring and enforcement, 43% said BOPRC is not doing enough, while 39% believed the current effort is sufficient.
Views were more divided on the controversial Port of Tauranga expansion: 32% believed BOPRC had neglected its duty of care in allowing the Fast-Track application, 43% disagreed, and 25% were unsure.
Mr Caddie said the results show the environment is front and centre in this year’s campaign.
“Candidates are telling us loud and clear that water quality, harbour restoration, and biodiversity must be priorities for the next Council. There’s also growing recognition of concepts like the Rights of Nature and the importance of working in partnership with iwi and hapū.”
Mr Caddie who is affiliated to local iwi and hapū through Ngāti Pūkenga, Waitaha-ā-Hei and Ngāti Hē, said it was pleasing to see 80 per cent of respondents believe iwi and hapū should play a central and active role in the protection and utilisation of natural resources. Only one candidate explicitly argued against distinguishing between mana whenua and other groups in governance.
Tauranga candidate Kate Graeme said she was standing to ensure the region invests in nature-based solutions and takes climate change seriously.
“We need to restore wetlands, invest in public transport, and give effect to Te Tiriti partnerships in environmental management. The health of our rivers, harbours and forests must be put at the centre of Council decision-making.”
Kōhī candidate Chris Karamea Insley highlighted the Treaty partnership dimension.
“Iwi must be involved as Treaty partners in managing our natural resources. Without that, we won’t find enduring solutions to the environmental challenges facing our rohe.”
Ōkurei candidate Mawera Karetai stressed Māori-led approaches.
“Enduring solutions are found in Māori-led approaches to protecting and restoring the environment. The Regional Council must take that seriously if we want to hand on a healthy taiao to future generations.”
Tauranga candidate Kat Macmillan also emphasised restoration priorities.
“We need more investment in biodiversity and harbour restoration, and iwi need to be fully involved at the decision-making table. That’s the only way to ensure our natural resources are properly protected.”
Candidates also highlighted climate adaptation infrastructure, public transport improvements, and rural water security as top infrastructure priorities for the region.
Several candidates noted limitations in the survey design, arguing that environmental issues cannot be separated from social, cultural, and economic considerations. Many emphasised the urgency of climate action, fairer funding models where polluters pay, and the need for collaboration across communities, iwi and councils.
Strong support was expressed for Te Tiriti-based representation, with concerns about central government reforms undermining local voice and Māori wards. Candidates also raised specific issues such as opposing the sale of Port of Tauranga shares, rejecting fast-track processes, and calling for investment in multimodal transport and green infrastructure.
The full survey results are available at manu.org.nz.
ENDS
Respondents by BOPRC Ward:
How concerned are you about each of the following issues?
Do you want to see central government owning more or less local infrastructure and services?
Which approaches should BOPRC prioritise to support climate resilience? (Select all that apply)
In principle, do you support the privatisation of public infrastructure and services?
Are the BOPRC resources currently allocated to achieving indigenous biodiversity protection and restoration in the region appropriate?
Should BOPRC increase funding to restore estuaries and harbours (e.g. Rangataua, Waihī, Ōhiwa)?
What role should local iwi and hapū have in relation to the protection and utilisation of natural resources in their rohe (traditional lands and waters)?
Strong Majority View: Partnership, Leadership, and Kaitiakitanga
Most respondents believe iwi and hapū should play a central and active role in the protection and utilisation of natural resources.
- Many described this role as a Treaty partnership (e.g. “Should be involved as Treaty Partners”, “Partnership role as enshrined in Te Tiriti”).
- Others went further, arguing iwi/hapū should be in leadership or decision-making roles, supported by the Council, with co-governance and co-management models
- A strong theme is the integration of mātauranga Māori with Western science, recognising iwi/hapū as intergenerational kaitiaki with unique knowledge of their rohe.
Emphasis on Collaboration and Unity
Several respondents emphasised the need for collaborative approaches that bring iwi, hapū, Council, and the wider community together.
- This was framed around shared values and collective action
- Some highlighted practical roles in climate action and environmental monitoring.
Calls for Resourcing and Respect
A few noted that iwi/hapū are already involved but lack the resources to fully play their role, suggesting this is ultimately a Crown responsibility to support.
Others stressed the importance of iwi/hapū being respected and properly consulted, especially as kaitiaki with responsibilities to future generations.
Minority View: Equal Treatment with Other Ratepayers
A small number of responses resisted differentiated roles for iwi/hapū, preferring iwi be treated as equal to other community groups or ratepayers.
- One explicitly argued against distinguishing between ethnicities in governance.
Overall Sentiment
- Dominant theme (≈80% of comments): Iwi and hapū should have a partnership or leadership role, grounded in Te Tiriti, kaitiakitanga, and mātauranga Māori.
- Secondary theme: Emphasis on collaboration and unity between iwi, Council, and the wider community.
- Minority view (≈15% of comments): Iwi should have no special role beyond that of other ratepayers or community groups.
Is BOPRC doing enough to monitor and enforce environmental compliance?
Do you believe BOPRC has neglected its duty of care for Tauranga harbour in allowing the Port of Tauranga to apply for Fast Track consent of the Stella Passage dredging and wharves extensions?
What should be the top infrastructure priorities for BOPRC?
Do you support legal recognition of the Rights of Nature within BOPRC planning and decisions (e.g. rivers, harbours, forests as legal persons)?
To achieve the statutory responsibilities of the organisation, while being affordable, BOPRC rates…
For more information contact Manu Caddie: +64 274 202 957
Manu's Memos 