Award-winning Māori musician Ria Hall has announced she's running for the Tauranga mayoralty.

She's up against former deputy mayor Tina Salisbury, who announced her interest last week.

Ria Hall says the Tauranga region desperately needs change - and she's ready to step up.

"There's some real excitement on the ground - there's lots of murmurs happening in the community. Everyone's getting ready for this election coming up in July, so we're ready for it. I'm ready for it."

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