Rotorua Lakes Council sets ‘ambitious' 50% turnout goal for 2025 elections
Photo:
LDR/Chris Gorman
Rotorua Lakes Council has set an ambitious goal of lifting voter turnout above 50 percent in
October's local election
.
Less than half of eligible residents voted last time, a gap council leaders say must close if the community wants real influence over looming big-ticket decisions.
Rotorua was among the stronger-performing districts in a disappointing national turnout in 2022.
According to the Department of Internal Affairs, Rotorua's final voter turnout was recorded as 47.9 percent. Kaikōura led the country with 64.3 percent while South Taranaki recorded just 27.6 percent.
The result improved on the previous three local elections and was above the national average of 41.5 percent. But it still meant fewer than half of eligible voters had their say.
Reaching the 50 percent milestone is now the target, something only 20 of the 65 councils managed in 2022.
Rotorua Lakes Council chief executive Andrew Moraes.
Photo:
LDR/Andrew Warner
Council chief executive Andrew Moraes admitted it was "an ambitious target" but said it was vital.
"Hitting 50 percent would buck national and international trends," Moraes said.
"Rotorua is the 14th biggest council in the country. If we achieve a big turnout, it is good not just for us but for the sector, showing people are engaged with our work."
He acknowledged the goal may be "quite challenging", with incumbent mayor Tania Tapsell seeking re-election and removing the attraction of a guaranteed new council leader.
Moraes released the council's pre-election report much earlier than usual and has been taking his message to marae, community groups and resident organisations across the district.
"Look, I have not set the target based on past trends," he said.
"I just want improvement. It is up to the people to vote."
Rotorua voter turnout was above the national average in 2022.
Photo:
LDR/Supplied
The pre-election report outlined the major challenges facing the next council, including rates affordability, funding of public facilities, tourism infrastructure, sports fields, revitalisation of the central business district, and water reforms, alongside navigating new planning laws.
Major projects already under way or planned include the museum restoration, wastewater and sewerage upgrades, organic waste collection, and stormwater works.
Moraes said the election was a "huge opportunity" for the public to make a "positive difference" in their community.
"I am building an organisation focused on delivering what the public wants," he said.
"If voters choose the representatives they want to set the direction, I will ensure the next council can deliver on their priorities. That is my promise to the people of the district."
To vote,
residents must enrol
. Electoral Commission data shows about 89 percent of eligible Rotorua voters are currently enrolled, slightly above the national figure of 88.62 percent.
August 1 is the final day to enrol to receive voting papers by mail. After that, voters will need to contact the council for alternative options. Overall enrolments close October 10.
Voting runs from September 9 until noon on October 11.
- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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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.
