Change has been promised by the three fresh additons to Tauranga City Council.
Kiwi Party founders Larry Baldock and Tony Christiansen, along with Terry Molloy, who has made a triumphant return after serving a term between 2004 and 2007, will join re-elected members Stuart Crosby, David Stewart, Wayne Moultrie, Catherine Stewart, Bill Grainger, Rick Curach, Bill Faulkner and Murray Guy at the council table.
Newly elected Tauranga City Council candidate Tony Christiansen. Photo: Sam Ackland.
Mr Christiansen, the highest polling At Large candidate, recieved a (progressive) vote count of 10,268, Mr Baldock gained 3,045 votes to Mike Baker in the Otumoetai-Pyes Pa Ward, while Mr Molloy won votes in the Te Papa-Welcome Bay Ward,
knocking out incumbent ward contender Hayden Evans.
Mr Christiansen vowed to bring the trademark passion he has shown as an inspirational speaker to the council chambers. ''Tauranga has been good to me and now it feels like it's time for me to give something back,'' he said.
The speedway driver, who has made a success of a life without legs, described today as ''one of the most interesting days of my life''.
''I have a passion for Tauranga. I don't have a lot of experience around the council table but I do have a lot of enthusiasm. ''I've got a 'never give up' attitude and believe me, I'm never going to give up on this. For me this will be another step in the journey.''
Mr Baldock said he wanted to see changes to the council's submissions process, which he was ''not a reflection of the community'', as well as to the council's District Plan, parts of which were impediments to development.
''There are some really hard and tough decisions to be made. I believe we've got to better manage debt, but still have a vibrant and attractive city.'' Mr Molloy, who had
given himself a ''50/50'' chance of securing a Te Papa-Welcome Bay Ward seat, said a ''strong look'' was needed at how the rating system is supported.
''We've got a lot of challenges ahead, especially with the economic development slow down. We've got to get the city moving again, and I believe we can.'' Mr Christiansen and Mr Molloy intended to celebrate tonight, while Mr Baldock was due to drive back from a meeting in Auckland.
