Nearly 150,000 eligible voters across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are being encouraged to have their say in the 2026 TECT Community Trust Trustee Election.
Voting opens on Friday 25 September and closes at 12 noon on Friday 23 October 2026. Eligible voters can select up to three candidates to serve on Manawa Trust’s, formerly TECT's board for the next four years.
For more than 30 years, TECT, now Manawa Trust has helped support the people, places and projects that make this region a great place to live. Its funding reaches across community facilities, sport, events, environmental work, education and vital services that support local people. Most residents and their families will have benefited from something Manawa Trust has helped fund or regularly supported, whether they realise it or not.
The elected trustees will help set Manawa Trust’s direction and make decisions about how its investments are protected and grown so the Trust can continue funding the community for generations to come.
Voting is an opportunity for local people to choose who will help guide this important community resource that invests millions of dollars worth of funding into the community every year.
Nine candidates are standing for three positions. Voters can learn about the candidates by reading their profiles and viewing their videos at https://www.manawatrust.nz/tect-trustee-election/.
The nine candidates are:
Hori AHOMIRO
Ray ANDERSON
Mark ARUNDEL
Kate BARRY-PICENO
Debbie IRELAND
Mark IRVING
Murray LAPWORTH
Fraser LELLMAN
Jon MURIE
Manawa Trust Chief Executive Wayne Werder said taking part is a simple but meaningful way for people to influence the future of a Trust that belongs to and benefits the region.
“Manawa Trust’s support can be seen and felt right across our community in the places people gather, the events they enjoy and the organisations they turn to. The trustees elected this year will make important decisions about Manawa Trust’s investments and future funding, so I encourage every eligible voter to learn about the candidates and have their say,” Wayne said.
How to vote
Voting is online only and uses the First Past the Post system. Voting letters will be posted to eligible electors from Friday 25 September. To vote, follow the website address in your voting pack and enter the unique voting details provided (PIN and password). Candidate names will appear in random order on the voting site.
Special votes and election enquiries
People on the unpublished electoral roll, or those whose original voting pack has been lost, spoilt or destroyed, can contact the Independent Returning Officer to ask about making a special vote.
For special-vote assistance or any other election query, contact Independent Returning Officer on 0800 666 937 or vote@electionz.com.
Candidate profile statements, video answers and campaign material are provided by each candidate. The Independent Returning Officer and TECT accept no responsibility for their content or accuracy.
This election will remain under the TECT Community Trust name and branding, despite the Trust rebranding to Manawa Trust as of 25 September 2026.
