Western Bay of Plenty District Council second-in-command Gwenda Merriman decided to run for mayor to build on her previous work on council.
Mrs Merriman had served on the council for two terms.
"I am well versed in chairing council committees and in representing council across New Zealand," she said. "I have the skill set required for prudent governance and the business side of council."
Her main priorities were rates, working with other nearby councils and safe accessibility to main highways from rural roads.
"Population increase will continue to challenge our council. I am aware that we must control our rates and debt. Great strides have already been made, and I will continue that drive," Mrs Merriman said.