Bay Say is a survey designed to help us understand the needs and wants of Bay of Plenty residents, and also your understanding of Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the work we do.

These surveys are held three times a year as a ‘check in’ with our local communities. The information from these surveys will help us plan and deliver the work we do for you, across the rohe (region).

By completing the survey (and sharing your email address) you can go in the draw to win one of three $100 Prezzie cards.

If you sign up to be a regular survey participant, you go in a bonus draw to win another $100 Prezzie card!

From the air we breathe and the land we live and work on, to the water we fish and swim in, Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s core mahi (work) is about ensuring the environment is kept healthy and used responsibly – now, and into the future.

While city and district councils are responsible for roading, recycling, animal control, parking, libraries and other public infrastructure, our focus is on the sustainable growth of the region in a way that keeps people safe and connected, and natural resources and unique cultural features protected and enhanced.

Our work reaches from Waihī Beach to Waihau Bay, and includes Tauranga City, Western Bay of Plenty, Kawerau, Rotorua Lakes, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki Districts, and part of Taupō District as well.

Why this is important to us and you

Each survey is a mix of perception and awareness questions (questions which help us understand your views and how much you know), alongside focus topics (such as your knowledge of services, or the environment). This helps us to find out:

• What we’re doing well,
• What we could be doing better, and
• What’s important to you about the region.

The focus topics help us shape our thinking to make sure our work reflects what Bay of Plenty residents want.

Elections are coming up in October for Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and most other councils in the region. We’re keen to find out how we can support as many people as possible to enrol and cast their vote.

Every Bay of Plenty resident over 18 years old can enrol to vote in the Regional Council elections this October plus your city or district council (except Tauranga).

How do I have my say?

To share your thoughts, click into the survey by clicking on the ‘Start the Survey here’ button below. Your responses will help us plan and deliver our work for you. This should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

Visit our website to learn more about the elections.

If you’re thinking about standing for Bay of Plenty Regional Council in the upcoming 2025 elections, register to attend our Candidates Information Webinar. The session is an opportunity to learn more about the elections process, information about candidate guidelines and what it means to be a Regional Councillor.

Register here for the Candidates webinar, being held at 6pm on 18 June.

Since 2018, we’ve conducted a two-to-three yearly Residents Survey. This survey was carried out by an external third party, and used both a phone call and a postal survey to reach ratepayers across the region.

This year, we’re changing how we deliver the survey to make it more frequent, more accessible and more cost effective, while still collecting information that can help shape our work to make sure we are delivering for our community.

This survey will take place three times a year and be conducted through an online platform. The online survey will be supported by pop-up events across the region, where you can connect with staff directly.

The online survey will be open for one month at a time, three times per year.

You can participate through our online platform here, or picking up a hard copy form from council reception or a one of our events.

Win a $100 Prezzie card!

By completing the survey (and sharing your email address) you can go in the draw to win one of three $100 Prezzie cards. If you sign up to be a regular survey participant, you go in a bonus draw to win another $100 Prezzie card!

Your survey is anonymous (unless you choose to share your details to be in to win).

Aggregated data will then be shared with staff and councillors at Regional Council to help build our collective knowledge about how communities view and interact with Regional Council.

Key findings will be shared publicly after each survey closes

We use this information to help inform operational decisions and improve corporate functions, such as communications, engagement, and customer service.