News
September 19, 2025
Western Bay mayoral race: James Denyer outlines stance on housing, transport, costs
Denyer backs a Katikati bypass, a project locals have sought for more than 100 years.
**Western Bay mayoral race: James Denyer outlines stance on housing, transport, costs**
James Denyer, a contender for the Western Bay of Plenty mayoralty, has laid out his key priorities, focusing on addressing critical issues like housing affordability, improving transport infrastructure, and managing rising costs for residents. A cornerstone of his transport plan is a firm commitment to the long-awaited Katikati bypass.
The Katikati bypass is a project that has been on the community's wish list for over a century. Currently, State Highway 2 runs directly through the heart of Katikati, creating significant congestion, particularly during peak hours. This not only impacts travel times for locals and visitors but also poses safety concerns due to the high volume of traffic navigating the town center. Denyer believes the bypass is crucial for unlocking Katikati's potential, relieving pressure on the existing road network, and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
"For too long, Katikati has been held back by this bottleneck," Denyer stated. "The bypass isn't just about shaving minutes off a commute; it's about creating a safer, more vibrant town center where businesses can thrive and people can move freely."
Beyond the Katikati bypass, Denyer is also focusing on broader transport solutions for the Western Bay. He recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach that considers public transport options, cycling infrastructure, and road maintenance to ensure a well-connected and efficient transport network for the entire region.
Affordable housing is another top priority for Denyer. He acknowledges the challenges many families face in finding suitable and affordable homes in the Western Bay and pledges to work towards solutions that increase housing supply and promote diverse housing options.
The rising cost of living is also a major concern for Denyer. He plans to advocate for responsible fiscal management and explore ways to reduce the burden on ratepayers, ensuring that the council's spending is focused on delivering essential services and infrastructure projects that benefit the community. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in council decision-making to ensure that residents' concerns are heard and addressed.
Denyer's focus on these key areas reflects a desire to address the pressing challenges facing the Western Bay and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region. He believes that by prioritizing infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and responsible financial management, the Western Bay can continue to be a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
James Denyer, a contender for the Western Bay of Plenty mayoralty, has laid out his key priorities, focusing on addressing critical issues like housing affordability, improving transport infrastructure, and managing rising costs for residents. A cornerstone of his transport plan is a firm commitment to the long-awaited Katikati bypass.
The Katikati bypass is a project that has been on the community's wish list for over a century. Currently, State Highway 2 runs directly through the heart of Katikati, creating significant congestion, particularly during peak hours. This not only impacts travel times for locals and visitors but also poses safety concerns due to the high volume of traffic navigating the town center. Denyer believes the bypass is crucial for unlocking Katikati's potential, relieving pressure on the existing road network, and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
"For too long, Katikati has been held back by this bottleneck," Denyer stated. "The bypass isn't just about shaving minutes off a commute; it's about creating a safer, more vibrant town center where businesses can thrive and people can move freely."
Beyond the Katikati bypass, Denyer is also focusing on broader transport solutions for the Western Bay. He recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach that considers public transport options, cycling infrastructure, and road maintenance to ensure a well-connected and efficient transport network for the entire region.
Affordable housing is another top priority for Denyer. He acknowledges the challenges many families face in finding suitable and affordable homes in the Western Bay and pledges to work towards solutions that increase housing supply and promote diverse housing options.
The rising cost of living is also a major concern for Denyer. He plans to advocate for responsible fiscal management and explore ways to reduce the burden on ratepayers, ensuring that the council's spending is focused on delivering essential services and infrastructure projects that benefit the community. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in council decision-making to ensure that residents' concerns are heard and addressed.
Denyer's focus on these key areas reflects a desire to address the pressing challenges facing the Western Bay and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region. He believes that by prioritizing infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and responsible financial management, the Western Bay can continue to be a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
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