Maketu-Te Puke General Ward

Share Maketu-Te Puke General Ward on Facebook Share Maketu-Te Puke General Ward on Twitter Share Maketu-Te Puke General Ward on Linkedin Email Maketu-Te Puke General Ward link

Kia ora and welcome to the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward Councillor Board page.

Congratulations to the following who are standing for the three vacancies.

Important things to note:


  • Candidates were given the opportunity to film a 90 second video. Here is where you will find them.
  • Voting opens on 9 September and voting papers to be posted 9-22 September.


Shane William Beech

  • Phone: 027 539 2930
  • Email: bhp@xtra.co.nz
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area.
My name is Shane Beech, and I am seeking election as a Councillor for the Maketu-Te Puke Ward. I am 62 years old and have lived in the Western Bay Area my entire life. I have proudly served four terms – 12 years – on the Maketu Community Board, including nine years as Chairperson. In addition, I have been actively involved in the Maketu Fire Brigade and Maketu Coastguard for over 35 years.
I am married, with five children, and own and operate two successful businesses: a cafe/restaurant and a holiday park. In 2016, I was honoured with a Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for my community contributions.
I am passionate about serving my community and believe my extensive experience in governance and volunteer work equips me to effectively represent the people of Maketu-Te Puke. I am committed to listening to your needs and ensuring our community continues to thrive.


John Bowden

  • Phone: 021 717 738
  • Email: johnbowden56@gmail.com
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area.
It would be an honour and privilege to represent my Te Puke community on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Along with my wife Tash and children we own a small business in Te Puke, and we are heavily involved in our community, especially through business, health, sport and recreation.
I am a driven and goal orientated person which means I will be concentrating on specific issues - especially the basics like our roads, our water, our rates and our public spaces. We must use all our resources wisely and prudently when using public money during these tough economic times to make sure that the needs and expectations of our community are met.
Look forward to meeting with you all.


Grant Dally

  • Phone: 022 123 6850
  • Email: tepuke2@gmail.com

Basics Done Better
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.
Serving as your Councillor is a privilege.
My goal's to represent and advocate for you, to my best ability, with every Council decision.
These last 3 years have been challenging with record rates rises. All Councils faced crippling inflation, higher interest rates and project costs. They’re unsustainable, and if re-elected, commit to being more diligent minimising them. Government and Taxpayer’s Union are very vocal about Council spending, even proposing rates caps.
We must perform better. Focus on basics: maintaining roads/reserves, fixing potholes effectively, clearing culverts, providing regulatory services efficiently, responding to legislation. Planning for population growth, increased traffic, and more houses.
Amalgamation with TCC is concerning, there’s benefits and downsides. Lost independence and voice. I'll keep fighting for the little guy and the big issues.
I got here through volunteering and governance with grassroots community groups like Creative Te Puke, Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway, still do.
Visit www.grantdally.nz #LovetheEast #Stillfightingfortepuke


Laura Rae

  • Phone: 021 027 92627
  • Email: laurarae131@gmail.com
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far. Your belief in me has been incredible and now I'm asking for your vote so I can continue serving our ward.
This is just the beginning. My goal is to keep our communities informed by listening to your voices and representing your thoughts at the table. Western Bay needs strong local voices who understand life on the ground, not just what's written on agendas.
I'm proud to call Maketu home and now live in Te Puke. As a mother of three who raised my kids here, I care deeply about the future of our area.
All I've ever wanted is to help residents make better decisions on the issues that affect us every day. Let's keep moving forward together. Don't waste your vote, vote Laura Rae


Manvir Singh Mann

  • Phone: 0204 140 1706
  • Email: mannjatt6266@gmail.com
My principal place of residence is not in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area. I am also standing for Eastern Community Board Subdivision.
My name is Manvir Singh Mann, a 22 year old who attended Te Puke High School and is working in the kiwifruit industry and understands what Te Puke is really about. I am contesting in Te Puke - Maketu Ward. I believe I have what it takes to serve Te Puke and its people in the right manner. Being a young person, I believe I have a productive and creative approach to any given issues which we are currently facing, whether that being increasing traffic, need of infrastructure, and spending the hard-earned money of the locals sensibly and responsibly on the right projects and services. I will give my best to address any issues and resolving them as quick as possible. Te Puke should get what it really deserves.


Andy Wichers

  • Phone: 0204 830 822
  • Email: abayeme01@gmail.com
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area.
Having served a term on the Western Bay District Council, I am committed to continuing my leadership role in our community. The last 3 years have deepened my understanding of how local government operates and will enable me to serve more effectively.
I have supported broader representation, advocating for expanded community board coverage and an additional ward to ensure more voices are heard and will support the development of these changes.
I have an extensive background in farming, trades, business ownership, and directorships, particularly in the engineering, horticulture and dairy industries, as well as school governance. Through these roles, I have interacted with many people and gained multifaceted skills and experience.
With my council governance experience, I am well-prepared to navigate significant changes ahead resulting from the Waters Reform and pending legislative reforms.
I live rurally with my wife and spend my spare time caring for our many animals.

Kia ora and welcome to the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward Councillor Board page.

Congratulations to the following who are standing for the three vacancies.

Important things to note:


  • Candidates were given the opportunity to film a 90 second video. Here is where you will find them.
  • Voting opens on 9 September and voting papers to be posted 9-22 September.


Shane William Beech

  • Phone: 027 539 2930
  • Email: bhp@xtra.co.nz
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area.
My name is Shane Beech, and I am seeking election as a Councillor for the Maketu-Te Puke Ward. I am 62 years old and have lived in the Western Bay Area my entire life. I have proudly served four terms – 12 years – on the Maketu Community Board, including nine years as Chairperson. In addition, I have been actively involved in the Maketu Fire Brigade and Maketu Coastguard for over 35 years.
I am married, with five children, and own and operate two successful businesses: a cafe/restaurant and a holiday park. In 2016, I was honoured with a Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for my community contributions.
I am passionate about serving my community and believe my extensive experience in governance and volunteer work equips me to effectively represent the people of Maketu-Te Puke. I am committed to listening to your needs and ensuring our community continues to thrive.


John Bowden

  • Phone: 021 717 738
  • Email: johnbowden56@gmail.com
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area.
It would be an honour and privilege to represent my Te Puke community on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Along with my wife Tash and children we own a small business in Te Puke, and we are heavily involved in our community, especially through business, health, sport and recreation.
I am a driven and goal orientated person which means I will be concentrating on specific issues - especially the basics like our roads, our water, our rates and our public spaces. We must use all our resources wisely and prudently when using public money during these tough economic times to make sure that the needs and expectations of our community are met.
Look forward to meeting with you all.


Grant Dally

  • Phone: 022 123 6850
  • Email: tepuke2@gmail.com

Basics Done Better
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.
Serving as your Councillor is a privilege.
My goal's to represent and advocate for you, to my best ability, with every Council decision.
These last 3 years have been challenging with record rates rises. All Councils faced crippling inflation, higher interest rates and project costs. They’re unsustainable, and if re-elected, commit to being more diligent minimising them. Government and Taxpayer’s Union are very vocal about Council spending, even proposing rates caps.
We must perform better. Focus on basics: maintaining roads/reserves, fixing potholes effectively, clearing culverts, providing regulatory services efficiently, responding to legislation. Planning for population growth, increased traffic, and more houses.
Amalgamation with TCC is concerning, there’s benefits and downsides. Lost independence and voice. I'll keep fighting for the little guy and the big issues.
I got here through volunteering and governance with grassroots community groups like Creative Te Puke, Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway, still do.
Visit www.grantdally.nz #LovetheEast #Stillfightingfortepuke


Laura Rae

  • Phone: 021 027 92627
  • Email: laurarae131@gmail.com
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far. Your belief in me has been incredible and now I'm asking for your vote so I can continue serving our ward.
This is just the beginning. My goal is to keep our communities informed by listening to your voices and representing your thoughts at the table. Western Bay needs strong local voices who understand life on the ground, not just what's written on agendas.
I'm proud to call Maketu home and now live in Te Puke. As a mother of three who raised my kids here, I care deeply about the future of our area.
All I've ever wanted is to help residents make better decisions on the issues that affect us every day. Let's keep moving forward together. Don't waste your vote, vote Laura Rae


Manvir Singh Mann

  • Phone: 0204 140 1706
  • Email: mannjatt6266@gmail.com
My principal place of residence is not in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area. I am also standing for Eastern Community Board Subdivision.
My name is Manvir Singh Mann, a 22 year old who attended Te Puke High School and is working in the kiwifruit industry and understands what Te Puke is really about. I am contesting in Te Puke - Maketu Ward. I believe I have what it takes to serve Te Puke and its people in the right manner. Being a young person, I believe I have a productive and creative approach to any given issues which we are currently facing, whether that being increasing traffic, need of infrastructure, and spending the hard-earned money of the locals sensibly and responsibly on the right projects and services. I will give my best to address any issues and resolving them as quick as possible. Te Puke should get what it really deserves.


Andy Wichers

  • Phone: 0204 830 822
  • Email: abayeme01@gmail.com
My principal place of residence is in the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward area.
Having served a term on the Western Bay District Council, I am committed to continuing my leadership role in our community. The last 3 years have deepened my understanding of how local government operates and will enable me to serve more effectively.
I have supported broader representation, advocating for expanded community board coverage and an additional ward to ensure more voices are heard and will support the development of these changes.
I have an extensive background in farming, trades, business ownership, and directorships, particularly in the engineering, horticulture and dairy industries, as well as school governance. Through these roles, I have interacted with many people and gained multifaceted skills and experience.
With my council governance experience, I am well-prepared to navigate significant changes ahead resulting from the Waters Reform and pending legislative reforms.
I live rurally with my wife and spend my spare time caring for our many animals.