Interesting times are ahead for Tauranga, with the election throwing up a council that has settled back into a glow of familiar faces. The old council got so used to confidential briefings, even when it meant that, in my opinion, some important issues did not get sufficient public airing. Mr Brownless may not enjoy combative politics, but I get the feeling looking at the make-up of the new council that his patience might be tested at times. The intriguing question to be decided next month will be who Mr Brownless appoints as his deputy. Her fiscal strengths and no-nonsense attitude would, in my view, complement Mr Brownless' community focus.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 16, 2016 00:56 UTC