Award-winning singer-songwriter Ria Hall hopes to start a new chapter in the history of Tauranga, announcing her candidacy to run for mayor of the city at the upcoming local body elections.
In a statement released on Sunday, Hall (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui) says she wanted Tauranga to be “the best little city in in the country for all who call it home”.
“My vision is to take Tauranga into a fresh, exciting new direction. A direction that sees us become a more connected, inclusive, and understanding community that thrives.”
This comes as the city calls for nominations in its first local elections in nearly five years.
In 2020, Tauranga City Council became embroiled in controversy when a scathing report exposed a growing sense of hostility between councillors. This led to then Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta appointing a team of commissioners to run the governance of the council.
The new city officials elected this year will serve for four years, instead of three, to resynchronise with the rest of the country’s local body elections.
Hall’s music is shaped by Māori culture and history, having grown from a kapa haka background that includes performing with Te Waka Huia, and most recently, with Te Taumata o Apanui.
She released her EP album in 2011 before following it up six years later with the concept album Rules of Engagement which focused heavily on the historical Battle of Gate Pā that took place in Tauranga in the 1860s. It debuted at No 1 on the New Zealand music charts.
She also presented Marae DIY on Whakaata Māori and appeared on Three’s The Masked Singer in 2022.
But while Hall’s renown lies in music and TV, it’s her work within regional development that she said will benefit the people of Tauranga.
“I am committed to growing my own capacity for better local and regional outcomes. I am a business owner and have a background in communications and strategic development. It’s this experience that I believe will make me a great Mayor for our city.”