O'Neill and former Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless criticised the extension of the commissioners' terms and called for a return of local democracy. Local Government New Zealand President and Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor, Stuart Crosby labelled the extension of the commission's appointment "disgusting" while Tauranga MP Simon Bridges cited “power, convenience and control” as the reasons behind Mahuta's decision, and questioned a lack of achievement since the four-person commission was put in place by Labour in February 2021. Victoria University of Wellington public law expert, Dean Knight, said democracy had taken a hit and "should have been restored forthwith." Elections The council is normally elected every three years, using the single transferable vote voting system. The vote is conducted by postal ballot. The 2007 election, which closed on 13 October 2007, had a turnout of 40%. Turnouts have since been 38.07% 2010, 37.78% 2013, 43.64% 2016, 40.28% 2019. Tauranga City Council formerly used the first-past-the-post (FPP) voting system until 2019. For electoral purposes, Tauranga is divided into three wards and an at-large category. The three metropolitan wards each elect two Councillors each, and the at-large category elects four Councillors. Party politics are much less influential in elections to the Council than is the case for the House of Representatives. In 2007, the Mayor and a majority of Councillors were elected as independent candidates. No election was held for the Tauranga City Council during the 2022 local elections, due to the council having been replaced with a commission. The next elections for the city council are instead scheduled for July 2024. Council Under most circumstances, the council is presided over by the Mayor. At its first meeting after a local election, the Council elects from among its members a Deputy Mayor, who acts as Mayor in the absence and with the consent, or in the incapacity, of the Mayor. The Deputy Mayor also presides at meetings if the Mayor is not present. The Deputy Mayor serves until losing his set on the council, unless removed from office by a vote of the council. Councillors also serve on a number of committees. As of 2022, there are four Standing and Special Committees, seven Joint Committees, two advisory groups and two hearings panels. The council can delegate certain powers to these committees, or alternatively they can consider matters in more detail and make recommendations to the full Council. As of the 2019 local