Mawera Karetai wins Kōhi Māori ward seat at Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Wednesday 5 November 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 5 Nov 2025, 5:00pm

In this story Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Dr Mawera Karetai has been elected as the Kōhi Māori ward councillor for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Despite not using billboards or spending money on her campaign, she secured the seat following encouragement from her teenage son.

How they headlined it

6h

9:57am3:46pm5pm

1. RNZWed 5 Nov 2025, 9:57am

   How a teen son's passion for Māori wards led to a shock win for his mum (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsWed 5 Nov 2025, 3:46pm

   How a teen's passion for Māori wards led to a shock win for his mum (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 5 Nov 2025, 5:00pm

   Bay of Plenty: Māori wards campaign ends in mum’s surprise seat on regional council (opens in new tab)