Mills, Thomas Owen, 1939-2009 (Person)

Politics: Elected to Tauranga City Council in 1971 and served the next five terms until 1989 elections. In 1989 elected to Tauranga District Council and served three terms until 2001 elections. Councillor Bill Faulkner credited Tom with "pioneering the catch cry, ‘what about the ratepayers'?". A key projects included infrastructure development funds, Council buying the Crown interest in Tauranga Airport, sister city relationship with Yantai, China. 

Elected to the inaugural Regional Council in 1989 and served one term.

Organisations: New Zealand China Friendship Society (National Treasurer).