It’s a new-look council for Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council this triennium.

This week, the regional council is welcoming nine new councillors, with five returning.

Regional council chief executive Fiona McTavish said although the announcement of the final election results on Saturday confirmed who would be sitting around the council table, it also confirmed an impressive range of experience in the councillors-elect.

“I’m really excited that our new council is made up of people from a wide range of careers and experiences,” she said.

“Among our new leaders we have farmers, butchers, meteorologists, environmental experts, business owners and engineers – as well those who bring their previous local government experience to the table.

“It’s a great mix of people, who hold a range of hugely relevant skills and are representative of the region’s communities.”

Ms McTavish said the new council was also made up of people who had been community leaders in their previous roles and this was a natural stepping stone for many of them.

“Some have led community organisations, others are business leaders, and some are iwi leaders.

“Now they’ve stepped up to lead our region and I’m looking forward to seeing where Bay of Plenty Regional Council is heading.”

The first steps for the new council include briefing and induction sessions, before the inaugural council meeting on Thursday, October 30, where they will be sworn in and decide on the chair and deputy chair roles.

The first meeting of the full council will take place on Tuesday, November 18.

Final election results:

Western Bay of Plenty General Constituency (two vacancies)
■ John Scrimgeour
■ Ken Shirley

Mauao Māori Constituency (one vacancy)
■ Matemoana McDonald

Tauranga General Constituency (five vacancies)
■ Stuart Crosby
■ Tim Maltby
■ Glenn Dougal
■ Kate Graeme
■ Kat Macmillan

Rotorua General Constituency (5 vacancies)
■ Raj Kumar
■ Anna Grayling (nee Heap)

Eastern Bay of Plenty General Constituency (2 vacancies)
■ Malcolm Campbell
■ Sarah van der Boom

Ōkurei Māori Constituency (one vacancy)
■ Allan Iwi Te Whau

Kōhi Māori Constituency (one vacancy)
■ Mawera Karetai