Enroll To Vote + Last Chance For Feedback On Navigation Safety Bylaw
Northlanders keen to vote in this year's local elections - including a poll to keep or remove Māori constituency seats - must be enrolled by Friday 01 August to receive a standard voting pack. After this date, you'll need to cast a special vote.
Meanwhile people keen to stand for council also have until Friday 01 August get their nominations in. Anyone aged 18 and over can stand for election provided they're a New Zealand citizen, enrolled on the Parliamentary electoral roll and are nominated by two electors whose names appear on the electoral roll within the constituency the candidate is standing for.
More information about the upcoming elections and poll is available at www.nrc.govt.nz/elections
Last chance for feedback on Navigation Safety Bylaw
Northlanders are being urged to have their say on Northland Regional Council's Navigation Safety Bylaw, which sets the rules for keeping people safe on the water, by Monday 28 July.
After a first feedback period during May, this second opportunity provides more detail on the key proposals. The proposals include a new requirement to carry two forms of communication on a vessel; amending the requirements for wearing a lifejacket; and removing a clause prohibiting wind-powered board sports in the Ruakākā and Waipū estuaries.
The feedback period runs until Monday 28 July. More detail can be found at www.nrc.govt.nz/bylawreview
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NZ Herald
10 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Local elections 2025: Who's running in Western Bay of Plenty and how to vote
The district will elect a mayor and nine councillors from three general wards and the district's first Māori ward, Waka Kai Uru. Two community board areas only had as many candidates as there were seats. Bevan Rakoia and Keith Wisnesky have been elected to the Kaimai East subdivision of the Ōmokoroa–Kaimai Community Board, and Sally Benning and Manvir Singh Mann to the Eastern seats of the Te Puke–East Community Board. If Mann won the councillor seat he was also standing for, there would be a byelection to replace him in the Eastern seat, electoral officer Warwick Lampp said. All other wards, boards and subdivisions of boards had enough candidates for a contest. Residents will vote for a mayor, their ward councillors, and – except Matakana Island and Rangiwaea Island – their community board representatives. Candidates for Western Bay of Plenty District mayor (1 vacancy) Danielle Borell-Faa'soo Danielle Borell-Faa'soo. Photo / Danielle Borell-Faa'soo Borell-Faa'soo said she is committed to empowering youth and amplifying their voices in civic decision-making. 'The 18- to 28-year-olds are the lowest-enrolled demographic. I aim to raise awareness and encourage active participation in the electoral process.' She said fostering a community that values youth input would ensure the Western Bay was 'the place' to live, work and play. 'My whānau have held whenua [land] in Whakamārama for five generations, and we are committed to being here for the next five generations at least.' Borell-Faa'soo is also standing in the Kaimai Ward. Grant Dally Grant Dally. Photo / Grant Dally Grant Dally lives with his wife Rhonda, their daughter and 6-year-old grandson on a Te Puke lifestyle property. He had a career background in engineering, sales and governance, and has been a councillor for nine years and a community board representative for 15 years. 'I've been active in grassroots creative, environmental and motorsport group governance for 25+ years.' His platform included collaborative, inclusive leadership, public workshops and a focus on the basics: maintaining roads/reserves, fixing potholes effectively, clearing culverts, good planning for climate events, population growth, more houses and traffic. He said the talk of amalgamation and Government intervention was concerning, and local democracy was 'under threat'. 'I'll keep fighting for the little guy and the big issues.' Dally is also standing in the Maketu-Te Puke Ward. James Denyer James Denyer. Photo / James Denyer The incumbent mayor, elected in 2022, Denyer said he sought re-election to bring experienced leadership at a 'time of change in local government'. 'I want to continue to deliver on critical infrastructure and ongoing negotiations with central government are under way to achieve this.' He said he had held community leadership roles including as president of Katikati Rotary, chair of Aongatete Forest Project and as a board member of Bay Conservation Alliance. 'I want to see efficient services, effective planning for our future, and sound financial management to deliver the best for our district and its people.' John Holyoake John Holyoake. Photo / George Novak Holyoake stepped down as chief executive of the council in April after holding the role since mid-2021. He said the experience meant he understood the challenges and opportunities facing Western Bay communities 'better than anyone'. These included rates adding to cost-of-living struggles and the high-growth region's expensive infrastructure needs. Holyoake said the council needed to be 'smarter about how it spends your money'. With 20 years' executive leadership experience, he said he succeeded 'through team' and strong relationships with the commercial sector, community, mana whenua and central government. 'I know what great governance looks like. Something our council is lacking. Something I can fix.' Rodney Joyce Rodney Joyce. Photo / Rodney Joyce Joyce said the council faced 'substantial change' in the next three years and 'business as usual' was not sustainable. 'We must lower costs or you face paying a lot more through increased waters charges and higher rates.' He said the district had strong, vibrant communities, and he and his family loved the district's natural beauty and important rural sector. Joyce said only efficient delivery of core services would ensure residents and local treasures were looked after. He had 'consistently championed greater efficiency'. Joyce is also standing in the Katikati Waihī Beach Ward. Margaret Murray-Benge Margaret Murray-Benge. Photo / Margaret Murray-Benge Murray-Benge said she was standing for mayor and councillor because the council needed to 'refocus on people'. She had more than 30 years in local government, with more than a decade of that representing Kaimai. 'I've fought for safer roads like SH29 and the Ōmokoroa intersection, pushed to keep rate increases under control, and stood firmly against wasteful spending.' She pledged to speak up 'even when it's unpopular'. Murray-Benge said she believed ratepayers were being 'forgotten' after recent decisions about council-controlled organisations. Reform was needed to protect ratepayers' interest. Murray-Benge is also standing in the Kaimai Ward. Don Thwaites Don Thwaites. Photo / John Borren Thwaites, a long-time councillor, said his first priority was restoring accurate monthly financial reporting to councillors and ratepayers. 'Every dollar of the $140m+ spent annually must deliver for our district.' He said he would control rates and bring them in line with inflation by returning to a focus on core council business. That meant putting 'the big five' first: roading, reserves and recreation, rainwater management, rubbish and libraries would come first. He said regulatory costs (building inspections and consent compliance) must be monitored and cost-neutral. Thwaites is also standing in the Kaimai Ward. Suaree Borell Suaree Borell. Photo / Suaree Borell Suaree Borrel did not provide a statement but has previously said her ancestors have lived in Whakamārama for more than 130 years. She listed housing infrastructure, roading and government reforms as her top priorities during her 2022 mayoral campaign. Borrel is also standing in the Waka Kai Uru Ward. Kaimai Ward (3 vacancies) Drew Cowley Drew Cowley. Photo / Drew Cowley Cowley grew up in the Bay of Plenty region and returned to Te Puna with his family a decade ago. Actively involved in community advocacy through Priority Te Puna, he said he is passionate about the community and wants to see it thrive. Cowley said he is committed to delivering outstanding and transparent results that contribute to the success of our district. Tracey Coxhead Tracey Coxhead. Photo / Tracey Coxhead Coxhead said she enjoys working with the local community and is grateful to everyday people who speak up and take action, as listening helped guide her decisions. Elected members genuinely want to make the district a better place and had dealt with difficult decisions thoughtfully. As a current councillor, there was unfinished work she would like to be part of. Chris Dever Chris Dever. Photo / Chris Dever Dever said he brings a strong blend of rural roots and executive leadership in both business and government. He is the Ōmokoroa Community Board chairman and a Justice of the Peace, marriage celebrant and Rotarian. He is calling for greater council transparency, smarter use of rates and better public engagement. He believes fast-growing areas like Ōmokoroa and Te Puna need reliable infrastructure, clean water and better transport. Graeme Elvin Graeme Elvin. Photo / Supplied A former partner at Mackenzie Elvin, he said he is experienced in navigating complex legal issues. Elvin is co-chair of the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation, chair of Te Puna Rugby Sports and Cultural Club and a former board member of Bay Venues, Northern Districts Cricket and the Chiefs. He said he would provide strong leadership and believed this has not been apparent, especially in decisions affecting the Kaimai Ward. Murray Grainger Murray Grainger. Photo / Murray Grainger As a qualified resource management hearings chair with relevant university qualifications, Grainger said he understands issues that come to the council table. His career spans central government, engineering consultancy, private small business and being a director of IT for a major UK charity. He has broad exposure to governance challenges and an understanding of the technology matters and challenges of council. Grainger said he would continue his nine-year record of service and delivery if elected. Destiny Leaf No photo or information provided. Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward (2 vacancies) John Clements John Clements is running for a seat in the Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward for the 2025 Western Bay of Plenty District Council election. Photo / John Clements As chair of the Katikati Community Board, Clements said he has focused on economic development, the environment and ratepayers. The 33% rate increase over the past three years has impacted residents' wellbeing, living costs and employment and he would focus on rate increases, core council responsibilities and protecting the environment. Clements has held senior roles in capital-intensive industries and run his own business, focusing on leadership, productivity and change management. Allan Sole Allan Sole. Photo / Allan Sole A current Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward councillor, Sole is standing to give strong governance for the council. With a background in business and years of governance experience, he said he brings practical knowledge and a people-first approach and works hard to listen and ensure people's voices are heard while pushing for prioritising essential services before extras, with tighter control over spending and debt. Sole does not support Māori wards, saying 'unity, not division'. Candice Thomas Candice Thomas. Photo / Candice Thomas Her hometown is Katikati. Thomas is a mother of three, a university graduate, a committee member and currently practising as a secondary school teacher. She is also a board member for Ngāti Ranginui iwi as a marae representative. Thomas said she has learned a lot about the lifestyles, local people, education systems, health standards, housing needs, community and public spaces within Katikati. Being a councillor was important because they were responsible for making good decisions. Andy Earl No photo or information provided. Wayne Stevenson No photo or information provided. Maketū-Te Puke Ward (3 vacancies) Shane Beech Shane Beech. Photo / Shane Beech Beech said he wants to be a strong, community-focused voice for the region. He is passionate about supporting residents, volunteers and community groups, and would advocate for smart, balanced growth that protects rural character and backs the vital agricultural and horticultural sectors. Beech said the district needs improved infrastructure, sustainable development and responsible use of rates. John Bowden John Bowden. Photo / John Bowden Bowden owns a business in Te Puke with his wife Tash and children. They are involved in the community through business, health, sport and recreation. Bowden said he is driven and goal-orientated and will particularly focus on the basics of roads, water, rates and public spaces. Resources must be used wisely and prudently during these tough economic times to make sure the needs of the community are met, he said. Manvir Singh Mann. Photo / Supplied Manvir Singh Mann Mann said he believes he has what it takes to serve Te Puke and its people in the right manner. As a young person, he said he has a productive and creative approach to issues, whether that was traffic, infrastructure or spending locals' hard-earned money sensibly and responsibly. Andy Wichers Andy Wichers. Photo / Andy Wichers Serving a term on the council had broadened Wicher's understanding of local governance, equipping him to serve more effectively. He has a background in farming, trades and business ownership, with directorships in engineering and horticulture plus many years of school governance. Wicher said he is well prepared for navigating upcoming changes such as the waters reform, pending legislative reform and appointing a new chief executive for the organisation. Laura Rae No photo or information provided. Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward (1 vacancy) Carlton Bidois Suaree Borell Darlene Dinsdale The candidates did not provide photos or information. Community boards Katikati Community Board (4 vacancies) John Clements Barry Ebert Anne Henry Norm Mayo Annie McClenaghan James Sayer Puran Singh Candice Thomas Maketū Community Board (4 vacancies) Sue Elliot Weina Moko Stephan Simpson Cecil (Moki) Thomas Leni (Beau) Walters Aleisha Waterhouse Waihī Beach Community Board (4 vacancies) Ross Goudie Heather Guptill Annette Inglis Gail Kelly Nicky Mowat Wayne Stevenson Ōmokoroa Community Board Subdivision (2 vacancies) Chris Dever Allan Hughes Murray Marshall Kaimai West Community Board Subdivision (2 vacancies) Tina Akuhata Cherie Palm Tania Tuhakaraina Kaimai East Community Board Subdivision (2 vacancies) Bevan Rakoia Keith Wisnesky Te Puke Community Board Subdivision (3 vacancies) Kassie Ellis Dale Snell Karen Summerhays Marara Williams Eastern Community Board Subdivision (2 vacancies) Sally Benning Manvir Singh Mann. Key dates September 9 – Voting opens – Voting opens September 9–22 – Voting papers delivered to enrolled voters – Voting papers delivered to enrolled voters October 7 – Final day to post your vote in a NZ Post box – Final day to post your vote in a NZ Post box October 11 at midday – Voting closes Who can vote in the Western Bay of Plenty election You must: Be aged 18 or older Be a New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident or hold a valid resident's visa Hold a visa that does not require you to leave New Zealand within a specified time Have lived in New Zealand, continuously, at any time for one year or more Have lived at your current Western Bay address for more than a month. You might also be eligible if you are: A non-resident ratepayer who has applied for enrolment on the ratepayer roll A resident outside Western Bay nominated by a firm, company, corporation or society paying rates on a property in Western Bay of Plenty. How to enrol to vote in the election You can check if you are enrolled or enrol via If you can't enrol online, you can have an enrolment form emailed or posted for you to sign and return. You can also call 0800 367656 to arrange an enrolment form, or text 3676 to have a form posted to you. Completed forms can be emailed to enrol@ or posted to the Electoral Commission. How to vote in the election A voting pack should arrive in your letterbox from September 9 if you are enrolled. Vote by filling out the form, popping it into the free return envelope in the pack and posting it or dropping it into an orange voting bin at Western Bay Four Squares, supermarkets and community hubs. Anyone posting their vote will need to do so before October 7. Voting papers can also be dropped off, in their envelopes, Western Bay libraries and service centres. – LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
11 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Local elections 2025: Who's running for Rotorua Lakes Council and how to vote
There will be a contest, however, for the six general and three Māori ward vacancies. Robert Lee and Don Paterson, both current general ward councillors, will challenge Tapsell for the mayoralty. Haehaetu Barrett, who recently left her role as chief executive of social services organisation Lifewise to return to Rotorua, has thrown her name in the mix with dark horse Takeina (also known as Shakaina) Fraser rounding out the mayoral race. Gregg Brown has performed a last-minute U-turn on stepping away from chambers to run again alongside the entire current general ward troupe, Sandra Kai Fong, Conan O'Brien, Fisher Wang, Lee and Paterson. Runner-up in the last election's mayoral race, Ben Sandford, is also on the ticket. New Zealand's current co-longest-serving councillor Trevor Maxwell is looking to take the record outright as he runs again in the Māori ward alongside five other hopefuls. Meanwhile, a byelection is necessary for the Rotorua Lakes Community Board, as not enough nominees came forward to fill the four seats. Candidates for Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell Rotorua' s current mayor Tania Tapsell. Photo / Andrew Warner Tapsell has been an elected member of council since 2013 and took on the top job after a comfortable election win in 2022. She said she is committed to continuing to make Rotorua a better place for all - highlighting achievements in emergency housing motels, community safety, the museum rebuild, and Rotorua's economic and housing growth. 'Over the next three years, I'll continue to have a strong stance to deliver a safer community, reliable infrastructure and a sustainable future,' she said. She promises a reprioritising of council spending on core services and highlights the chance for refreshed vision with a new chief executive in Andrew Moraes and a newly-elected council. 'We're ready to keep the momentum going. Please support me to ensure strong, experienced leadership to deliver real results for Rotorua.' Don Paterson - (Saving Rotorua) Councillor Don Paterson. Photo / Laura Smith Paterson said he is proudly Rotorua-born and raised. Over the past three years he has fought for protecting reserves, affordable rates, and returning emergency motels to tourism. He also opposed mandatory water fluoridation. The former radio and nightclub DJ said he will commit to beginning a restoration and revitalisation of Rotorua's lakes, CBD, events and marketing strategies, and reforming the council's leadership. 'I will champion community-first governance to ensure that important decisions, including the future of our waters, adhere to the principles of transparency, integrity and genuine public engagement,' he said. 'It's time for change… change you can trust.' Robert Lee - (Independent) Councillor Robert Lee. Photograph / Andrew Warner Elected to the general ward in 2022, Lee fully supports the Government's proposal to cap rates. 'The Taxpayers' Union says that Rotorua Council has increased rates by 31.6% with inflation at 13.7% over the last three years. I believe our council has got into some bad spending habits and needs a reset with a new level of financial discipline.' He said that to do this, it must be ensured only the 'democratically accountable' mayor and councillors are making decisions about spending ratepayers' money and managing ratepayers' assets. He wants a review of all partnerships and committees to ensure they are acting in the best interests of the district. He also wants to ensure all committees are operating lawfully, in accordance with the purpose of the Local Government Act – 'to enable democratic and local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities". He supports 'equal opportunities' for council employees and suppliers, reflecting the 'multi-cultural city that Rotorua has become'. Shakaina Fraser Approached for comment, Fraser said her 'vision will become clear to potential voters' and wished to clarify she preferred to be known as Shakaina rather than Takeina. Haehaetu Barrett Haehaetu Barrett. Photo / Andrew Warner. Born and raised in Te Koutu, Rotorua, and of Ngāti Whakaue (Raniera Kingi) and Tuhourangi (Tiripa Te Keepa) Barrett is a mother of three and grandmother of two. She says her whānau and hapū have supported her stand to be the next mayor of Rotorua. She demands 'action' and says she has a strong network of strategic relationships in central government and non-government organisations. She said the city is 'under siege from people suffering from homelessness and rough sleeping', and her expertise in that space would help change the situation. She would also prioritise the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the core partnership with the Crown and mana whenua. 'I am keen to undertake this role and look forward to standing together and seek your support to restore our community connectedness.' Candidates for the general ward (six vacancies) Jared Adams - (Independent) Solo dad and former holiday park owner; pledges transparent, practical leadership to address rates, services, and community needs. Philly Angus A well-known name in Rotorua's mountain-biking community, Angus says she has a natural ability to connect with people. A regular MC for local events, she supports Rotorua's growth through tourism, culture, and community initiatives. Gregg Brown Sitting councillor calling for smarter financial management, reviewing the stadium, reducing debt and continuing recent progress with practical, non-partisan decision-making. Jenny Chapman A local mum, teacher, and community advocate, she says she will prioritise fair investment, responsible spending, youth engagement, and strong community connections. Richard Collins - (Think Positive) Campaigning on a 'think positive' viewpoint, he wants responsible spending, debt management, and fair decision making while listening to all voices in the community. Brendan Davis - (Your Voice on Council) Stood unsuccessfully in 2022 when he campaigned on housing the homeless, fixing roads and gardens to attract tourists, reducing spending and alleviating crime. Mathew Doidge An academic and local board member, he says he believes evidence-based decision making can build a sustainable, inclusive Rotorua with a strong economy, mindful of community wellbeing and economic pressures. Shakaina Fraser Also running for mayor. Frank 'The Tank' Grapl Te Arawa born and bred local and active in tourism and community volunteering, he aims to boost youth engagement, support local business, and help revitalise Rotorua as a thriving city. The total number of people running for council election has dropped to 40, from 45 in 2022. Photo / Andrew Warner Ryan Gray - (Moving Rotorua Forward) Believes Rotorua should be the best place to raise a family, start a business and get ahead. He focuses on housing, public spaces, future-proof infrastructure, easing rates pressure, fairer dog control, and improved community safety. Sandra Kai Fong Current deputy mayor, Kai Fong is seeking re-election to prioritise efficient spending, core services, and improved council operations. Background includes law, business, and governance. Robert Lee - (Independent) Current councillor, also running for mayor. Reynold MacPherson - (Rotorua Residents and Ratepayers) Former councillor and Residents and Ratepayers chairman since 2015. His focus is on openness, accountability, reducing debt, and capping rates near inflation. Advocates for free timed parking, restoring the CBD's vibrancy, and refocusing the council on core services to support growth and community pride. Jason Monahan The Rotorua-born chef champions a positive food culture for community wellbeing. He is ready to 'roll up my sleeves' to connect the city and support future generations. Mariana Morrison A former naval officer with governance and policy experience, she says she advocates for inclusive leadership and community-driven solutions, focusing on whānau wellbeing, economic inclusion, and ensuring meaningful roles for kaumātua and tāngata whaikaha. Pam Neilson Rotorua local Pam Neilson seeks to represent everyday voices, focusing on practical spending, infrastructure, and housing to support a thriving city for residents and visitors alike. Conan O'Brien - (Restore, Rebuild and Reform) The sixth candidate voted on to the general ward in 2022, he said then he had a background in retail, public service and governance in not-for-profits, and aimed to 'restore Rotorua's shattered reputation and unite our divided community'. Don Paterson - (Saving Rotorua) Current councillor, also running for mayor. Neville Raethel - (Keep New Zealand Beautiful) Local environmental and anti-litter activist who has a strong focus on environmental responsibility and improving Rotorua's wellbeing. Ben Sandford Two-time winter Olympian aims to revitalise Rotorua's CBD, boost night-time economy, improve sports facilities, and foster thriving communities through collaborative, creative governance and informed decision-making. Rahul Sethi Rotorua entrepreneur is promoting ethical leadership, accountability, and clear decision-making to drive meaningful community progress. Fisher Wang - (Independent) Two-term councillor first elected as Rotorua's youngest councillor in 2019. He says he is committed to integrity and collaborative leadership with a focus on responsible infrastructure investment and decision making for current and future generations. Candidate for the rural ward (1 vacancy) Karen Barker With no challengers, incumbent rural representative Karen Barker is elected. Karen Barker has been re-elected to Rotorua Lakes Council. Photo / Zoe Adams Candidates for Māori ward (three vacancies) Trevor Horowaewae Maxwell An elected councillor for 48 years, he says his focus will be on authentic partnerships, completing the museum rebuild, protecting pensioner units, and supporting rangatahi, kaumātua, and whānau. Merepeka Raukawa-Tait Formerly a councillor for 11 years. Says community strength, business, iwi representation, prioritising informed debate and practical solutions on housing, climate, water, business growth, and cost-of-living challenges form the basis of her plans. Harina Rinaha Rupapera Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Rangitihi scholar with expertise in mātauranga Tūpuna, conservation, and community enhancement, committed to strengthening tangata whenua voice and Rotorua's wellbeing. Te Whatanui Skipwith Former actor says he will champion mana whenua voices, Rotokākahi protection, Te Tiriti justice, iwi partnerships, housing solutions, and opportunities for Rotorua's rangatahi. Te Rika Temara-Benfell - (Te Pāti Māori) Community leader aims to combine governance expertise and values-based leadership to empower communities and foster a sustainable future for tamariki and mokopuna. Rawiri Waru - (Independent) Current councillor wants to 'serve our community once again'. He says he will focus on iwi partnerships, infrastructure improvements, financial responsibility, economic growth, clear communication, and delivering results for Rotorua. Candidates for Rotorua Lakes Community Board (four vacancies) Peter MacMillan Jennifer Rothwell Phill Thomass - (Achieving For Our Lakes Communities) Not enough candidates for vote. Byelection in November. Candidates for Rotorua Lakes Community Board (four vacancies) Rachel Bidois Rachel Clark Karen Forlong Colin Guyton Tina Marshall Tina Rose How to enrol to vote in the Rotorua election If you're on the electoral roll, you can vote in the local elections where you live. You can enrol if you're 18 or older, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in New Zealand for more than one year continuously at some time in your life. You can enrol or update your details online, or call 0800 36 76 56 for help. If you enrol or update your address after August 1, you won't get your voting papers sent in the mail. You'll need to contact your council's electoral officer. The last day to enrol to vote in the local elections is October 10. How to vote in the Rotorua election Voting papers are sent out in mid-September to everyone on the electoral roll. To post your vote, place it in the voting ballot boxes placed across Rotorua. Ballot box locations are listed in your candidate profile booklet with your voting papers. If you did not enrol in time to receive your papers or you lose them you can still cast a special vote. Contact Rotorua Lakes Council for more information. When is the Rotorua election? August 1: Candidate nominations closed Candidate nominations closed August 6: Candidates announced September 9-22: Voting papers sent to enrolled voters September 9–October 11: Voting open October 11: Election day, voting closes at noon October 11: Preliminary results announced October 16-19: Final results announced Sources: Rotorua Lakes Council, Mathew Nash is a Local Democracy Reporting journalist based at the Rotorua Daily Post. He has previously written for SunLive, been a regular contributor to RNZ and was a football reporter in the UK for eight years. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
14 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Local elections 2025: Race begins in Whanganui with four vying for mayoralty
In 2023, the council voted 8-5 to introduce a Māori ward for October's election, then reaffirmed the decision 11-2 in September last year. Regional election officer Warwick Lampp was pleased with the number of nominations in Whanganui. 'There are quite a few Māori wards around the country that only have one candidate, so they are running uncontested,' he said. 'I guess there is a bit of uncertainty around it.' A referendum to decide the future of Māori wards will run alongside this year's election. For the Whanganui Rural Community Board, there are nine nominations. However, only the Whanganui subdivision will be contested. Kiritahi Firmin, Jenny Tamakehu, Daryn Te Uamairangi and David Wells are running for two seats. Jack Bullock, Brian Doughty and Quintin Handley will make up the Kai Iwi subdivision (three seats), and Charlie Anderson and Bill Ashworth will represent the Kaitoke subdivision (two seats). In 2022, Whanganui voter turnout was 46.44%, up from 44.17% in 2019. Whanganui District Council democracy services manager Anna Palamountain said turnout was always a challenge for councils, but this year the aim was to get to 50%. 'We did some work recently, touching base with hard-to-reach communities to explain what voting is and encourage them to enrol,' she said. A special vote is required for those not enrolled by August 1. 'People who enrol to vote from now on have to come and do a special vote, which means coming in and seeing the council staff. 'It's very easy. You just don't get your papers in the mail.' Rangitīkei District Council chief executive Carol Gordon. Horizons Regional Council has two Whanganui seats, which will be contested by incumbent Alan Taylor, Martin Visser, Ben Fraser and Phill Haynes. Nikki Riley is elected unopposed to Horizons' Ruapehu seat, with Bruce Gordon, Gordon McKeller, Nigel Barker and Carl Netzler competing for two seats in Manawatū-Rangitīkei. There are four mayoral candidates in the Rangitīkei District - incumbent Andy Watson, David Christison, John Hainsworth and Simon Loudon. The Rangitīkei District's Northern Ward has three candidates, Diana Baird, Peter Kipling-Arthur and Jeff Wong, for two seats, and the five Central Ward seats are being contested by eight candidates - Justin Adams, Alan Buckendahl, Christison, Fi Dalgety, Sandra Field, John Hainsworth, Bryan Hastings and Dave Wilson. In the Southern Ward, Graham Jenkins, Graeme O'Fee, Bryan Rowe and Paul Sharland will contest two seats, with Coral Raukawa and David Yates the candidates for the Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Ward seat. Tracey Piki Te Ora Hiroa will be elected unopposed in the Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) Ward. Rangitīkei District Council chief executive Carol Gordon said she welcomed the strong response to this year's local elections, which reflected a healthy and engaged democracy. 'Local government is going through a period of significant change, and putting your hand up for election is no small undertaking,' she said. 'It is encouraging to see individuals who are clearly passionate about their communities, willing to lead and prepared to meet the challenges ahead.' There are also four candidates for the Ruapehu mayoralty. Incumbent Weston Kirton is up against councillors Lyn Neeson and Fiona Kahukua Hadley-Chase, and Grant Lethborg. Voting in Whanganui, Ruapehu, South Taranaki and Rangitīkei runs from September 9 to October 11. Photo / NZME There are 14 candidates for Ruapehu's General Ward (six seats) - Elise Adams, Roger Baker, John Chapman, Robyn Gram, Gary Griffin-Chappel, Viv Hoeta, Rhonda Kingston, Rabbit Nottage, Luke Pepper, Brenda Ralph, Elaine Reid, Sophie Stockbridge, Nicoleen Wessels, and Peter Zimmer. Ruapehu's Māori Ward (three seats) will be contested by Channey Iwikau, Korty Wilson, Hadley-Chase, Marilyn Davis, Simon Hepi and Kuru Ketu. Incumbent Phil Nixon is up against Clem Coxhead for the South Taranaki mayoralty, with Cheryl Luke-Maraki elected unopposed in the Te Tai Tonga Māori Ward, and Leanne Horo and Caroline Waiwiri contesting the Te Kūrae Māori Ward. Mark Bellringer, Karen Cave, Steffy Mackay and Tim Taylor are running in the Eltham-Kaponga General Ward (two seats). Mark Northcott and Brian Rook are unopposed in the Pātea General Ward, and Janet Fleming, Aarun Langton and Bryan Roach are contesting the Taranaki Coastal General Ward (two seats). Te Hāwera General Ward's five seats will be contested by Andy Beccard, Heather Brokenshire, Raquel Cleaver-Pittams, Ngawai Hernandez-Walden, Te Aroha Hohaia, Diana Reid, and Garth Weir. Palamountain said a community day in Whanganui would be organised for people to enrol and vote at the same time, along with a series of pop-up events. 'During the voting period [September 9 to October 11], our election hub and customer service will be manned so we can take special votes there as well,' she said. 'For people with voting papers, there will be 16 bins around the community.' Voting papers will be delivered to households from September 9 to September 22, with voting open until noon on election day, October 11. Official results across the four districts will be announced between October 14 and October 22. Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily the Whanganui District Council.
