The issues at the Western Bay of Plenty local body elections range from rates to job security, with a bypass in between.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council mayor Ross Paterson said the three big issues for the next mayor would be affordability, shared services, and adapting to new technologies.
"Affordability still remains a major concern, of how can we fund what we have to [do], but also keep costs reasonable."
You hear about a lot of people being let go at the end of last season because employers can't afford to keep on staff.
He said there needed to be better efficiency in shared services of different councils, not just in the area but around New Zealand.