A move to limit local politicians to three terms, or nine years, in office will be considered by Hastings district councillors today.
The proposal has been put forward by first-term councillor Wayne Bradshaw, who said it would encourage broader representation.
At present, there is no limit on how long a councillor or
mayor can hold office in local government, and setting one would require a law change.
Mr Bradshaw said it wasn't a swipe at Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, who is running for his fourth term as mayor.
"Whether the mayor was going into his sixth term or his first term, it wouldn't make any difference," he said.
Mr Bradshaw said electoral-term limits could be used alongside other changes to encourage a wider range of people to stand for council.
He's been backed by regional council candidate Tom Belford, who said he would put a voluntary three-year limit on himself.
Mr Belford said some politicians were unable to judge their own "use-by date" and stifled new candidates coming forward.
The bid was to be discussed at the council's development and environment committee meeting today.
If adopted across the country, it would also see Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott, who has served three terms, stepping down.
The bid would need to be accepted by the Government before a law change could take place.
Mr Bradshaw has asked that the issue be taken up by Local Government New Zealand, which is also headed by Mr Yule.
