A total of 30 candidates will contest six positions for the 2019 Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust elections in November.

Nominations closed today.

The trust released the full list today, with what appears a surge in interest over the last two days.

Among the final clamour for positions are such familiar names as drama and speech teacher Gabrielle Thurston and businessman Brett Marvelly, both aiming at least two places vacated through the death of Bea Yates and a decision by Sandra Kai Fong not to stand again.

Kevin Winters, a three-term mayor of Rotorua who was defeated by Steve Chadwick in 2013 and who has served a term on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, has also thrown his hat into the ring.

Other interesting nominations include Watu Mihinui, Jenny Hotch, Mike Dingwall and Murray Patchell.

Trevor Maxwell, formerly a long-term trustee, deputy mayor of Rotorua and presently the longest serving district councillor in the country, has also decided to stand again.

Trevor was one three – the others were Paul East and Lyall Thurston – the voters rejected in 2016 in a major turnover.

Otherwise, all sitting trustees have been nominated, including Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey.

The thirty people are Carol (Kararaina) Beckett, Kylie Brackfield, Gregg Brown, Hasmukh (Hari) Chhagan, Tamati Coffey, Mike Dingwall, Stewart Edward, Adam Ellis, Jane Eynon-Richards, Ben Hingston, Jenny Hotch, Karen Hunt, Mike Keefe, Jo-Anne La Grouw, Gavin Long, Philip Macalister, Brett Marvelly, Trevor Maxwell, Darren McGarvie, Raina Meha, Jan Middlemiss, Watu Mihinui, Murray Patchell, Katie Paul, Alison Perrin, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, Gabrielle Thurston, Paulene Walsh, Charlie Windell and Kevin Winters.

Trust manager Tony Gill says the trust has a vital role to play in the community, gifting more than $112 million since it was formed 25 years ago.

With the kaupapa of making a better Rotorua for all by supporting charitable causes within the Rotorua district, trustees can make a difference to the community, while taking a forward-focused view for the future.

'It's now up to the people of Rotorua to do their bit and shape what that looks like by voting for the candidates they think can best enact that kaupapa.”

Voting papers will be available from November 1.

Voting closes at noon on November 23.