Election 2013: "Relief" for Opotiki Mayor

John Forbes

Opotiki mayor John Forbes said he was both relieved and ready after being re-elected to his fifth term on Saturday.

"Relieved as there are always a few nervous moments and ready to accept the responsibility of this wonderful community for another three years," Mr Forbes said.

He acknowledged all the candidates who had been gutsy enough to put their name forward for the 2013 local body elections. "You put yourself out there and essentially are judged by the community so to everyone, both successful and unsuccessful, congratulations."

Mr Forbes begins the next triennium with half of his former six councillors.

"We've had a couple of retirements and one councillor head toward to the regional council which has resulted in three new faces. I think this is exciting and there's some neat people now on board."

He said he was also absolutely happy to be able to continue working with Whakatane and Kawerau Mayors Tony Bonne and Malcolm Campbell.

"Actually the Mayors throughout the entire Bay of Plenty region work extremely well together and this unity is often commented on by Mayors from the Waikato.

"I think Rotorua and Western Bay Mayors are all in agreement that what's good for one is good for the other and there's a great feeling among all councils."

He said he really believed the Bay of Plenty region was the best in the country.