It’s been more than three years since he threw his hat in the ring, but Maketū’s Shane Beech has won a seat on Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Known affectionately by some as the mayor of Maketū, Beech was the highest polling of the six candidates battling it out for the three Maketū -Te Puke ward seats at the recent local body election.

He polled 2147 votes.

Beech spent four terms on the Maketū Community Board, three as its chairman, before stepping down in 2022 and declaring his intention to stand for a seat on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council in that year’s local body elections.

However, ill health saw him pull out of the election. It was too late to have his name taken off voting papers and he still received 1688 votes, which would have been enough to give him a seat on the district council. This time he had no such issues.

“I’m quite humbled and overwhelmed and certainly appreciate the support I was given and the people that went out and voted for me,” he told Te Puke News.

“I’m now in a position to pay back and get some things done hopefully.”

What happened three years ago had a bearing on Beech’s thoughts going into the 2025 campaign.

“I was quietly hopeful with the support I had last time when I didn’t do any canvassing whatsoever. This time I spent a bit of effort and time getting out there and talking to different groups and organisations.”

Since the election result announcement, Beech has met with re-elected mayor James Denyer and last week was among the new and re-elected councillors and community board members at a gathering in Tauranga.

“I had a one-on-one meeting with James which was quite positive and proactive and looking forward to the triennium ahead of us.”

Beech has joined another former Maketū Community Board chair, Laura Rae, on the council. Rae polled third in the ward with 1550 votes and retained her district council seat.

“It’s cool for Maketū to have two people with strong links with Maketū – it’s fantastic and history in the making,” Beech said.

The second-placed ward candidate was returning councillor Grant Dally (2068 votes).

Beech said he doesn’t have any particular issues he wanted get his teeth into early, despite his experience on the community board.

“I’m definitely the new boy on the block, so I’m going in there like a big sponge to suck up as much information and bits and pieces that I need.

“I do believe I’ve got the qualities to do the job and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Beech is well-known for his community spirit and volunteer work as well as being the owner of and Maketū Beach Holiday Park, and former owner of Maketū Beachside Café and Restaurant.

He cut down his involvement in some of his roles after his health scare, but is still fully involved in the Maketū Coastguard.