Candidates willing, but voter participation needed

Kaipara voters have a strong line-up of candidates to choose from in the current local government election, which will close at midday on October 11.

The four mayoral candidates all have proven community leadership experience, including two sitting councillors and one former mayor. Candidates standing in the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai and Otamatea Wards share a passion for the district and a strong desire to get back to basics, focussing on infrastructure such as roads, water and wastewater, and fair rates. The Northland Regional Council (NRC) candidates reflect the environmental guardianship role that rests with the NRC.

It is a sign of a healthy democracy when so many people are prepared to take on these council roles, which require a lot of time and energy. It is to be hoped that residents and ratepayers do their a bit by casting a vote.

The overall voter turnout in Kaipara in 2022 was 47%. To put that in simple terms, less than half the 17,500-plus eligible voters actually bothered to vote. In the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward it was slightly higher at just under 52% and in the Otamatea Ward it was 41%.

This lack of voter engagement is striking, given the extent of council’s influence on everyday life. Local authorities decide when potholes are filled, drains cleared, rubbish collected, playgrounds upgraded, sports grounds maintained, bridges repaired, boat ramps fixed, and weeds sprayed. Council also manages water and wastewater networks, parks and reserves, and libraries, while its planning rules shape the design and future of our neighbourhoods and town centres.

This year voters also have the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking their vote with the introduction of short candidate videos, produced by Kaipara District Council.

Candidates were given the same four questions about themselves, their priorities, why they are right for the role, and the challenges facing the district, with the video message no more than 90 seconds.

Chief executive Jason Marris says the candidate videos are another tool to help people participate in local elections, helping them to make informed choices about who to vote for.

View the candidate videos at kaipara.govt.nz/candidates.

Ballot boxes
There will be drop-off ballot boxes at local supermarkets (Dargaville Woolworths, Kaiwaka Four Square, Ruawai Four Square, Maungatūroto Four Square, Mangawhai New World, Dargaville and Mangawhai council offices, and Dargaville and Mangawhai libraries), as well as a mobile voting route for the communities outside the main hubs in Kaipara. Remember, if you enrolled after August 1, you won’t get your voting papers in the mail and you will need a special vote.

Candidate invitation
All local KDC and NRC candidates were given the opportunity to be in this special election feature. However, we did not receive responses or could not contact Mayoral candidate Snow Tane, Otamatea candidates Mark Vincent, Mike Schimanski, Joel Bouzaid, Roger Billington and Stephen Wood; and NRC candidates John Hunt and Lorraine Norris.

Jonathan Larsen

As your current deputy mayor, and four term councillor, I bring experience, stability and strong leadership with a track record of delivering results for Kaipara’s ratepayers.

I live on our farm at Topuni, near Kaiwaka, and with 26 years as a professional firefighter and station officer, I’m used to working under pressure, solving problems, and serving the community. I’m a qualified RMA commissioner, hold a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration (First Class Honours), and am completing a 36-hectare native forest lifestyle conservation project near Mangawhai.

Why are you standing?
I want to build on the progress of the current council and my priorities include supporting rural communities, farmers, growers and local businesses; continued focus on improving roading, footpaths and water infrastructure: building unity – all ratepayers and residents are equal; greater focus on small towns and settlements; carefully managing growth; continued opposition to the Dome Valley landfill.

I believe that Council should be run for the benefit of the ratepayers. As the new Mayor of Kaipara District, I will lead a council that puts our ratepayers first.

I have a huge passion for the Kaipara District. It is a great place to live but I see huge potential to make it even greater. I want to lead an enthusiastic council team to deliver for our ratepayers.

What level of annual rate rise do you think is acceptable and how will you achieve this?
In the past term, council managed to keep each year’s average rates increase below nine per cent compared to a national average of 15 per cent. In my opinion even nine per cent is just too high. With high cost of living and a tentative economy, we need to ensure we are prioritising core services and delivering them well, minimising cost to ratepayers, and delivering as much as possible for the ratepayer dollar.

In the next term, I will be leading a further full line-by-line review of all of our budgets to ensure that all expenditure is firstly necessary and secondly, delivering value to ratepayers.

What are your top three priorities?
Infrastructure, especially roading: Council’s biggest spend and the source of most consternation for ratepayers is roading. We’ve made good progress this term bringing roading staff back in-house, changing contractors, and requiring local contractor use. There is more to do to increase our network’s resilience and I am committed to delivering these improvements. A well maintained and functioning wastewater system is essential to ensure the estuary remains pristine.
Community facilities: In growth areas like Mangawhai where there are lots of new people arriving it is important to provide good community facilities using growth levies. The shared path build and Urlich Park acquisition are a good start. Now it’s time to develop the sports fields and courts the community wants.
Economic growth: Our Kaipara specific economic development committee pushed for our new promotional website to attract tourism, new business and investment to our district to help our communities thrive. In the new term I will be furthering these efforts to leverage our proximity to Auckland and the relative affordability of land from Kaiwaka west to attract new families and businesses and help our smaller towns thrive.

What are your views on development and safeguarding the character of Kaipara’s communities?
Managing growth at Mangawhai has been a key focus while developing the recently notified proposed district plan, a process which I chaired. The plan promotes an area called the Mangawhai-Hakaru Managed Growth Area, extending from the east coast to about 3km east of Kaiwaka. This area has a much more restrictive set of subdivision provisions than the rest to the district to the west. While Mangawhai can handle a bit more population, it needs to be carefully managed as there is limited amenity capacity and geographical constraints including the Heads beach, the boat ramp, Molesworth Drive and Wintle Street etc.

The small towns further to the west could use more families and businesses to help the communities to flourish, and achieve a critical mass that allows more services to be provided locally and more money in the local economy.

If elected, what is the one thing you promise to deliver in the next council term?
One of the contributors to division in the district is speculation about where the money is coming from and where it is being spent. I have already led good progress in defining this in our financial reporting. In the new term, I will be committing to providing regular clear reporting on where revenue is coming from and where expenditure is occurring.moving uncertainty in this area and putting a stop to rumour and supposition will help to move us towards being a more unified district.

Ash Nayyar

In 2001, my family and I relocated to New Zealand, seeking better educational opportunities for our two children. Today, both have established successful careers – my son, Ang Nayyar, is a software engineer and CEO of the technology startup, while my daughter, Anna, a chemical engineer, is married to a podiatrist and together they are raising two children.

My professional background is grounded in over two decades of senior banking and business leadership. I spent seven years each with Westpac and Kiwibank in Auckland, before moving to Kaipara in 2016 to serve as commercial manager (Northland) with ANZ Bank in Whangarei. In this role, I have worked closely with local businesses, helping many to restructure, grow, and return to profitability.

Beyond banking, I have been an active Rotarian for 24 years, including service as club president, consistently supporting initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA in Finance from McGill University, Canada. I lead with integrity, fairness, and accountability – values I intend to uphold in my role as Mayor.

Why are you standing?
My decision to stand comes from personal experience and a deep commitment to community service. After resigning from ANZ Bank to care for my elderly mother at Bupa’s Kauri Coast Rest Home, a Dargaville resident encouraged me to run for local government, believing I had the potential to fix a broken system. In 2019, I campaigned for the Dargaville Ward councillor role but lost both my mother and the election. In 2022, I ran for both mayor and councillor, securing a councillor seat while placed third out of six in the mayoral race.

As a councillor, I consistently opposed vested interests and “pet projects” pushed through without proper public consultation. Ratepayer funds meant for roading, flood resilience were diverted to projects such as the Fagan Place/Wood Street redevelopment, Mangawhai wastewater upgrades, and the Red Hill Dam agreement – all decided behind closed doors, leading to cost blowouts and unnecessary rate hikes. I also resisted reckless private plan changes in Mangawhai, which risked overwhelming infrastructure and pushing rates up further.

These experiences have strengthened my resolve to stand again for both the mayoralty and the Wairoa General Ward councillor.

What level of annual rate rise do you think is acceptable and how will you achieve this?
I will freeze rates for the entire term. Council has already collected over $30 million from delayed or undelivered capital projects. My focus will be on delivering reliable flood resilience and water systems. I will stop the proposed $90 million expansion of the Mangawhai wastewater scheme, which would lock ratepayers into decades of higher costs. Instead, I support affordable, common-sense solutions for drinking water and wastewater.

The $50 million already raised in annual rates, combined with NZTA subsidies and central government grants, is sufficient to fund roading, water, and other essential services without burdening residents with further rate increases.

In terms of what council delivers, what are your top three priorities?
Transparency and accountability: Build a council that listens, consults openly, and spends ratepayers’ money responsibly.
Core services first: Repair neglected roads, provide reliable and affordable water with no more restrictions, and improve drainage and waste management.
Reversing costly mistakes: Stop two expensive, non-consulted ‘pipe dream’ projects in Mangawhai and Dargaville, redirecting nearly $100 million to freeze rates and deliver long-overdue roading and flood resilience works.

What are your views on development and safeguarding community character?
Growth must be affordable and sustainable. I have opposed reckless private plan changes in Mangawhai pushed by the current mayor despite conflicts of interest. These developments strain infrastructure, drive council debt and push rates higher. For example, debt servicing for the Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme alone adds around 10% to annual rate increases, while the district has still not repaid the previous $44 million MWWS debt, which continues to cost ratepayers one per cent extra on their bills. This is unsustainable, particularly for those on fixed incomes who risk losing their homes.

Instead, I want to create a vibrant, affordable Kaipara where young and old can live, work, and play. I will oppose long-term, high-risk financial agreements and direct resources to practical, reliable water and wastewater solutions for both Dargaville and Mangawhai.

If elected, what is the one thing you promise to deliver in the next council term?
I promise a transparent, responsible council that works for the people, not against them. I will prioritise partnerships with iwi and hapū to release land, forest and water resources that can help solve Kaipara’s water challenges, boost tourism and create jobs. My vision is a united Kaipara where no one is divided by origin, faith or background.

We will focus on repairing roads, footpaths, drainage and water services, while also improving support for both youth and elderly. Above all, I will bring openness, inclusiveness, and accountability back to council decision-making.

Jason Smith

I have already served two terms 2018-2022, leading the district through the divisive covid times and stabilising council after the Commission. I am the only Kaipara Mayor to complete a second term since 2004, and I’m well trained to rise to opportunities such as this challenging leadership role in NZ local government that has confounded others. I’m descended from staunch local pioneers – my great-great grandfather collected one of the first cows delivered to Mangawhai in 1862 and walked it home across days to Matakohe, to the same property where I now live. I was educated at Ruawai College, then King’s College in Auckland, Rugby School and the Royal Agricultural College in England for a BSc(Hons). I have a doctorate in economic development from AUT. My passionate place promotion skills were developed with my NZ Tourism Award finalist tourism business. I was the chief executive of the Kaipara District Economic Development Trust from 2002 to 2005, which hooked me with my first taste of local government serving others in the place I’ve been proud to serve, champion and call home.

Why are you standing?
Kaipara has so much potential and the current council direction is evidently wrong and damaging (2025 Annual Residents Survey Overall Satisfaction = 45%). It needs a proven local mayoral leader to get better performance from the council and get things back on track for serving the people of Kaipara, not just himself and a few of his mates. For the last three years, every time I have been out and about in the community someone has stopped me in the street and complained about the current Council, asking me what I can do to make things better again; here it is: I seek to serve again now because I’m primed and ready to hit the ground running for a better Kaipara. I know the ropes and I’m proven to be up to the task ahead , which means knowing how to get good performance from the Councillors the people elect, even if many are newly-elected this time. Transparency, trust and fair treatment are hallmarks of good governance which I bring to the job and where I have a proven record of delivery. I am standing to restore good governance to the council table and end unnecessary divisiveness that’s creeping in, so we can all move forward well together.

What level of annual rate rise do you think is acceptable and how will you achieve this?
Kaipara has failing infrastructure and rapid growth – two “wicked” challenges for a small council as well as increasing demands for services. Rates rises should be kept within a sensible range, say 5-8%, reflecting what the community needs most. Better trusted performance of council governance will help Kaipara get better support from government and other infrastructure partners, to help keep rates down while improving services. Change is ahead for KDC financial models as shared water services emerge with the new regional water Council-Controlled Organisation.

In terms of what council delivers, what are your top three priorities?
Back to basics – roads, water, waste.

Local roads being improved across the district. Roads are council’s biggest asset and the lifeblood of the district. We need a clear plan for getting new investment for all our roads so we can make safer journeys for everyone. A better spread of big roading projects across the district would spread the benefits of the investment. Prioritising preventative slip repairs will reduce future cost blow-outs.
Upgrading water infrastructure, such as Mangawhai wastewater scheme, as well as the Mangawhai and Dargaville drinking water supplies, are urgent priorities. Managing the smooth transition to the future water Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) will also be a feature of the next few years, which will require regional collaboration and good neighbourly relations with other councils.
Waste management/minimisation including using the $1m+ unspent KDC allocation from Ministry for the Environment for waste minimisation projects. Innovative construction waste projects for our fast-growing district, as well as organic/green waste would help. Reviewing approaches to kerbside waste collection and bringing KDC up to speed with best practice will help us to grow better.

What are your views on development and safeguarding the character of Kaipara’s communities?
When I was Mayor, KDC prepared with all communities across Kaipara District a spatial plan for every square centimetre of Kaipara District. Considering its high growth, a dedicated spatial plan was developed separately for Mangawhai. These two documents were prepared with the communities of Kaipara, and the voices of the people are quoted clearly throughout. Listening well to the people is how we grow well with a council that serves its community for development, celebrates what’s best about the places we all enjoy and value, and welcomes others to join us.

If elected, what is the one thing you promise to deliver in the next council term
Improved overall satisfaction of the council in the Annual Residents Survey – which is the sum of all the decisions made and actions taken by the council neatly in one place.

Steve Allen

I moved to the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai area in the late 80’s, setting up a manufacturing business La Questa. In the second year of operations was a nominee for Entrepreneur of the Year 1988 Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Northland Inc. Since the sale of that business, I took on senior roles leading to diversity of skills building businesses, working collaboratively in diverse cultural environments combined with a background in civil and structural engineering works in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. My community activities over the years include past member the NZ Fire Service Kaiwaka, past member for the Queensland Rural Fire Service, current member NZ Team Roping Association, current vice president of the Northern Districts Team Roping Club, Paparoa, committee member of the Northern Kaipara Agricultural Association whose responsibilities include managing the A&P show grounds at Paparoa, and planning and organising the annual A&P show day.

My decision to stand for councillor on KDC has come about through the encouragement of friends and neighbours, and it is time to give back to the community that has been so supportive to me and my business ventures over the years. My focus, if elected, will be on:

Better rural road maintenance throughout our district with the ever-increasing traffic volumes causing unprecedented wear. Lobbying for the prioritisation of the replacement of at least three one-lane bridges in our ward including Hakaru Bridge on the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road. The bridge is a bottleneck and a traffic hazard.
Lobbying for greater support and access to horse riders, trekkers and cyclists increasingly attracted to the area that offers year around open country riding in and around our coast line and park areas.
Cycle lanes for the increasing volume of cyclists sharing the narrow roads in particular Cove Road, Tara Road and Kaiwaka/Mangawhai Road. This would include adding cycle lanes, greater access for hiking, biking and horse tracks into and around the Brynderwyn Range connecting to the coast out to Pacific Road, connecting up to the coastal walkway. All of the above activities attracting more visitors to the area while enhancing growth in economic activity for our communities.
Improving pathways to more sustainable recycling and refuse options in our district.
Supporting significant growth in our sewerage infrastructure in particular the Mangawhai area.

Ron Berking

My ties to Kaipara go back more than 60 years, when I first came here with my grandfather and parents. In 2011, I made Mangawhai my permanent home, where I live with my wife and family. These days I drive the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai school bus, after a career that has taken me across New Zealand and overseas.

I’ve worked in hospitality, tourism and sales, and I’ve always believed in getting involved in my community. Over the years I’ve helped with school fundraisers, supported the original MAZ playground project, served with the Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Brigade, and been a member of the Mangawhai Heads Surf Club for more than a decade.

Kaipara has always been close to my heart, and I’m proud to call it home.

Why are you standing, and what skills/experience will you bring to the council table?
I’m standing for council because I want to bring straight talking, fairness and common sense to the council table, and to make life easier, not harder, for locals.

I have built my career around people and those roles taught me to listen, solve problems and connect with people from all walks of life. Getting involved in community projects has given me huge respect for the people here, and putting my hand up for council is my way of turning that respect into real action for Kaipara.

What I will bring to the council table is a grounded, practical perspective, a strong voice for everyday people, and the determination to see Kaipara protected and thriving for generations to come.

What are your top priorities for Mangawhai-Kaiwaka ward?
My top priority is to keep rates fair and make sure every dollar is spent wisely. People deserve to know where their money goes, and council must be upfront and transparent about its decisions.
We also need proper investment in roads and infrastructure, not patch jobs that fall apart after the next storm. Growth is coming, but it has to be managed wisely so it strengthens our towns while protecting the environment and the character that makes Kaipara special.
Above all, council should be open and honest. Locals deserve straight answers, not empty promises, and decisions made with the community, not behind closed doors.

Luke Canton

For over 15 years, I have been proud to call Mangawhai home. Together with my partner and our blended family of five children, we live in the heart of this vibrant community. Professionally, I run a successful accounting practice with a dedicated team of local staff. In addition to my work, I have a deep commitment to community service. I’ve served nearly a decade on the Mangawhai Beach School Board of Trustees (including seven years as chair) and volunteered with various local initiatives, such as the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) Committee and the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society. When I am not watching my children play sports, I play squash in Wellsford and Kaiwaka, and enjoy a bit of running and boxing. When the weather is good I enjoying fishing either here in Mangawhai or near Tinopai, and really enjoy overnight hiking trips anywhere in NZ.

As Mangawhai continues to grow at a rapid pace, it’s crucial that we manage that growth wisely. The infrastructure, services and planning in our region must keep pace with this expansion, while maintaining the unique character and natural beauty of Mangawhai and Kaiwaka. I want to bring my experience in financial management, my passion for our community, and my commitment to environmental sustainability to the Kaipara District Council.

Responsible financial management: I will bring the financial expertise, prudence, and accountability of running an accounting practice to local governance. Every dollar spent should contribute meaningfully to the future of our community.

Smart growth and infrastructure: As Mangawhai is New Zealand’s fastest-growing coastal town, I will advocate for sensible investments in infrastructure to support growth while protecting the environment. We need to ensure that the right planning and facilities are in place for our growing population.
Preserving what makes Mangawhai special: I am committed to protecting the unique environment that makes Mangawhai and Kaiwaka such great places to live. This means ensuring the health of our harbour and estuary, and balancing environmental protection with the pressures of growth.
Sustainable rates and services: I will work hard to ensure that rates remain sustainable, while ensuring we have the vital services and amenities our community needs.

Craig Jepson

I’ve lived in Mangawhai for over 23 years and co-founded Kauri Coast Concrete, contributing to development across MAZZ before selling my share ahead of the mayoral election. I’m passionate about landscaping – creating native and wetland plantings, water features, ponds and landscaped homes. As chair of the Mangawhai Charitable Recreational Trust, I led the Gumdiggers Track project, set to reopen next year with a consented jetty. I’m proud to serve as Patron of the Mangawhai Sailing Club, supporting their fantastic work with local youth. With my partner, kids and friends, I enjoy hunting, fishing, diving, tennis, cycling, rugby, cooking, entertaining, beach BBQs, and exploring our tracks, estuary and coastline. Politics has always inspired me, and serving as Mayor has been an honour – offering the chance to make a meaningful difference for our community.

Why are you standing, and what skills/experience will you bring to council?
I’m standing for election because there’s still important work to be progressed and completed. My campaign slogan, ‘Plenty more trimming to be done’, isn’t just about removing a few mangroves. It’s about trimming costs, streamlining council operations, and delivering real value to our communities.

In the next term, I’ll continue tackling the tough issues that matter most – starting with economic growth. Our proposed district plan enables managed development where it’s needed, supporting jobs and opportunity while protecting what makes Kaipara special.

I’m committed to improving our roading network so people and businesses stay connected safely and efficiently. Sensible financial management remains essential to keep rates affordable while funding the infrastructure and services we rely on. We must also work together to protect the health of our harbours and natural environment.

My top priorities include an increase in the sealing of key metal roads that serve large numbers of households. I’m committed to easing pressure on our waterfront by extending the Gumdiggers cycle and walking trail to King Road via estuarine boardwalks and bush margins.

In Kaiwaka, recent upgrades have improved safe highway access. I’ll continue supporting the enhancement of Kaiwaka, especially as it becomes the closest town to the next motorway stage north of Warkworth.

To trim costs, I’ll advocate for using local talent and reducing reliance on expensive consultants. For example, instead of rigid, overdesigned structures at Picnic Bay, we can use soft landscaping and winding paths – achievable with our skilled local landscapers.

Dr Nima Maleiki

I am a long-time local and proud Persian Kiwi. After qualifying as a GP specialist in Copenhagen and co-founding a clinic in Norway, I was recruited to serve our rural area in Kaipara in 2016, where my wife and I are raising three boys. I have worked across hospitals, rural clinics, and even remote Greenland, providing care to indigenous Inuit communities. Many know me as their local GP.

Today I serve as clinical director of Alternaleaf NZ, leading a team that combines medical expertise with innovative approaches to improve patient care. My approach is straightforward and collaborative: I listen first, ask questions, act on facts, and value residents as partners in finding solutions. Libertarian at heart, I prefer practical, community-led progress over bureaucracy. You will find me cooking Persian food, joining local events, and talking with neighbours about what works and what needs fixing. Healthy communities start with safe infrastructure, open communication, and protecting the environment we all depend on.

Why I’m running for council?
As a family man and ratepayer under the squeeze, I have seen too many promises on paper that do not match what residents live with on the ground. When unsafe roads became an everyday risk, I organised public meetings, led a petition of more than 700 signatures to Parliament and councils, and met transport leaders and council committees to push for real fixes. We need common sense, accountability, and lasting results, not more PR communications and spin. I support ACT Local’s practical approach to cutting waste, focusing on the basics, and delivering outcomes people can see.

My priorities are:

Safer roads: Mandate proper base preparation before repairs or sealing. Seal busy roads in areas most affected by growth to cut dust health risks, prevent runoff into the estuary and beaches, and improve resilience to extreme weather.
Stormwater: Implement and improve existing district-wide channel plan to reduce flooding and keep contaminants out of estuaries and beaches, protecting sea life and food diversity.
Fair, reliable services: Pause non-core spending and ring-fence developer contributions for infrastructure most affected by growth.
Better consultation and less bureaucracy: Cut red tape and use AI and digital tools so residents can help shape plans before budgets are set, with priority given to the most affected communities.

Wiremu Paikea

I am a father of three teenagers and am proud to be a resident living in the Kaiwaka/Mangawhai Ward. I enjoy spending quality time with my children, waka ama, farming, motor sports, basketball, outdoors, beach, fishing and watching movies.

I am a friendly, local man who has a heart for helping people and serving my community. I have extensive experience with the Department of Corrections, school attendance services, security management and as a men’s youth, aged care, disability and community support worker, as well as volunteering with Fire Emergency NZ, Police Blue Light, St Johns Ambulance, Red Cross, Safer Communities Whangarei, Chaplaincy NZ, Lions Club, Kaiwaka Can and Community Patrol Mangawhai.

During my services I have gained many valuable life skills making me a knowledgeable and diverse person with a variety of leadership qualities.

Why are you standing, and what skills/experience will you bring to council table?
I’m standing to bring transformation and positive change for families, people and our community. Families and community are my priority, as well as visible leadership and inspiration for the future, implementation of people-focussed policies, the ability to work collaboratively and effectively.

What are your top priorities for Mangawhai-Kaiwaka ward?
These are my top priorities:

Families: Family and people centred decision-making; family harm and suicide prevention. I will work with all stakeholders to reduce these two epidemics with the hope of restoring healthy, functioning families.
Infrastructure: Dealing with our current unresolved matters we have right now.
Roading: Addressing repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Safer communities: Supporting police and local community patrols to reduce crime and provide safer communities.
Thriving district: Working together with residents, businesses and other organisations to build a prosperous future for everyone.

Helen Price

I have been a Mangawhai resident for 12 years. I am a chartered accountant with over 35 years of experience and I also hold a law degree.

As an accountant in public practice, I was actively involved in the financial aspects of my clients’ businesses and, as a result, developed strong financial and problem-solving skills. I have a long history of working pro bono and volunteering for not-for-profit community groups, starting with Plunket when my children were young and later with various sporting groups, budgeting services and social enterprises. When I moved to Mangawhai I became involved in the Te Whai Community Trust. I was the founding treasurer and a board member until I resigned in 2024. During this time the services of the Trust expanded into the organisation we have today. I am now a weekly volunteer assisting with the Trust’s Aroha Basket programme.

Why are you standing, and what skills/experience will you bring to council?
I initially became interested in running for council when I started following council meetings and saw that some of the decisions made by councillors were contrary to what the community was saying in submissions. There seemed to be a pattern of voting towards pre-determined outcomes.

I would like to introduce mechanisms where the public can have their say and be genuinely heard on important decisions.

The skills I bring to council are strong financial and business expertise developed over a long career in accountancy. I also have a strong community focus and pride myself on being a clear and effective communicator.

What are your top priorities for the Mangawhai–Kaiwaka ward?
My top priorities include:

Ensuring that future development is carried out in an environmentally and socially sustainable way. We cannot keep developing without taking heed of environmental impacts or putting further strain on our already stretched infrastructure, rates and social services.
Reviewing our waste management processes and collaborating with businesses and community groups to unlock new opportunities and funding schemes. A clear example is the Waste Minimisation Fund, which can be used to tackle issues such as food waste and construction waste.

Rachael Williams

I’m a passionate Mangawhai resident and ratepayer of 21 years and I’ve raised a family here with my partner, local builder Dave Grant. I enjoy volunteering my spare time at a Hospice Charity Shop. I proudly served as Mangawhai Matters secretary for two years prior to being elected to council and was actively involved in standing up for community causes and challenging the Mangawhai Central Plan Change. For many years I volunteered on the Mangawhai Beach School and sporting committees.

Why are you standing?
I’m standing again because there is still much more to achieve in council and to change for our ratepayers’ benefit. The most beneficial skill I can offer to ratepayers is my three-year council experience and knowledge. I work well with others and have a can-do, common sense attitude. I believe in giving back to my community. Prior to standing for council in 2022, I also spent two years attending KDC briefings and meetings to get a better understanding of council processes. Being an effective ratepayer representative is a huge responsibility. I can honestly say it’s a role that I take very seriously, but also really enjoy.

What are your top priorities for Kaiwaka Mangawhai Ward?
I will continue to support ratepayers and community groups with service request follow ups and with any council issues they need help with.

We’ve made great progress this term in our roading and parks core service delivery. Bringing roading back in house has been a positive move, enabling more accountability and transparency from our lead roading contractor Downer. Let’s keep the positive momentum going. It’s crucial to strengthen the KDC organisation’s accountability and performance in financial management and delivery of core services. I will continue to challenge rate increases.

I support donating over dumping and will advocate to increase KDC’s landfill diversion targets and drive more sustainable outcomes in this area. I voted against the last two commissioners’ recommendations to approve plan changes in Mangawhai. I will continue to voice my concerns about the cumulative impacts plan changes have on our environment, infrastructure and amenities.

Fiona Kemp

Kia ora, I’m Fiona Kemp. I’ve lived in Maungatūroto for 25 years, raised five children with my husband Aaron, and now have three beautiful mokopuna. My heart is in our community. I’ve worked as an early childhood teacher, supported students at Ōtamatea High School as a Gateway coordinator and helped secure student scholarships to get into university. I’ve run school festivals, touch tournaments, and countless fundraisers – always with the goal of bringing people together.

I’m deeply involved in our marae and work for our local hapū, Te Uri o Hau, networking with Auckland Council and NRC as well as numerous Crown entities.

I coached netball locally and regionally, including the U18 Northland team. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for our youth. Whether it’s on the court, at the marae, or in council chambers, I’m here to serve our people with aroha, experience, and a commitment to making a real difference.

Why are you standing and what skills/experience will you bring to council?
I care about our people and the future of Ōtamatea. I’ve spent over 20 years working in policy, planning, and environmental management including as a policy analyst for KDC and formally as an environmental manager for Te Uri o Hau. I’ve chaired a regional climate committee, worked across councils and agencies, and understand how to navigate complex reforms like the RMA and the impeding water services structure. I bring strategic thinking, governance experience, and strong relationships to the table – ready to hit the ground running.

One valuable skill set that I have is the ability to translate complex policy and legislation into clear, everyday language, helping our community understand what decisions mean for them and how to engage confidently with council processes.

What are your top priorities for Ōtamatea Ward?
My priorities reflect what our community has consistently asked for:

Infrastructure: Safer rural roads, reliable water schemes, and better broadband.
Climate resilience: Long-term planning to protect our communities.
Local voice: Ensuring Ōtamatea is heard in regional and national reforms.
Community development: Support for youth, recreation, and services for our aging population.

Ōtamatea has shaped my whānau and my career – it’s time to give back and ensure our community thrive through increasing development.

Denise Rogers

I live on our 80 acre beef block in Maungaturoto with my husband and children. I love the rural lifestyle here. My family are fifth generation Kaipara residents, who have a long history contributing to the district. I feel like now is my time to do my part to ensure we’re moving forward in the right direction towards a positive future.

Attributes of financial and common sense, hard work and excellent time management, have seen me build a successful business of 20 years, while raising my family. Being a hairdresser, I have built my career on listening to people. I have formed relationships with people from all backgrounds and heard people’s concerns with rates, roads and infrastructure.

I have enjoyed volunteering on local committees, having been actively involved in Playcentre, Pony Club and Hakaru Hall, giving back to my community, sharing my skills and getting to know a broad range of locals.

Why are you standing and what skills/experience will you bring to the council table?
Having only two representatives in the Otamatea Ward, we need dedicated, common sense councillors making sure our area isn’t overlooked, all ratepayers are treated equally, and our expectations are met. I’m active in the community engaging with people and listening. Should I be elected, I will follow up on the community’s concerns pushing for better results for our area.

The skills that have seen my business succeed include an ability to work well with people from all backgrounds. My fierce determination would see me provide a strong local voice for Otamatea at the council table.

What are your top priorities for Ōtamatea Ward?
Keeping rates affordable for all and ensuring our essentials – roads, footpaths and water infrastructure, are fit for purpose and resilient. Digging into council expenditure to find ways to save money and improve efficiency, wastage cannot be tolerated, we need to keep rates down! I will bring a can-do attitude to the council table and make sure the voices of ratepayers are heard and listened to. I would like to see more work being kept with locals, keeping funds in our community. I believe the council should serve the ratepayers, stick to the basics and respect our property rights. I will be accountable, responsible and keep the community informed.

Rick Stolwerk

With my wife and now two daughters, we have lived in Langs Beach since 1993. I taught conservation and environmental management at North Tec for 11 years, having been a registered secondary school teacher since 1980. I also have business and farming interests.

My passions outside of local government include surf lifesaving, ocean swimming, tramping and gravel bike riding, I have been a member of WCSLSC since 1978. I have organised the 3km Langs Beach to Waipu Cove ocean swim on January 3 each year for the last 18 years (you are all welcome in 2026).

My governance experience began with school and museum boards in 1999 and has continued through to my election as the Coastal South – Councillor on Northland Regional Council since 2016.

If re-elected in 2025, beside business as usual I expect to carry on with my following three focus areas:

Financial prudence is essential over the next three years and beyond. I am currently a member of the investment committee and I am committed to working beside this community to make sure that this council spends your ratepayer money wisely. I believe we have had a financial milestone year in 2024/25 by limiting our rate increase to 3.49%.
Secondly, environmental management – this is the prime purpose of regional council throughout Northland. We are the ‘eyes on the ground’ for protecting our environment. I have and will continue to support the environmental issues dear to the hearts of local communities, despite the central government proposed changes to local council.
Finally – emergency preparedness. Over the past nine years I have been involved with the governance of emergency management in Northland, which has coincided with several extreme weather events which have hit Northland hard. I will continue to advocate on your behalf for improved communication and post recovery support. We know these events are coming at us more frequently and by standing together this community can not only be better prepared but will also be able to recover more quickly.

Robert Goodhue

I am a fourth generation Northlander with more than 65 years of life experience and a deep connection to the region’s people and environment.

I was extensively trained by a master craftsman in watchmaking, and have worked across industries from engineering and construction to forestry, mining, and boat building which has given me practical insight into both industry and community life. I have served as a volunteer with the fire service at Ruakaka and St John’s in Kaikohe, reflecting a strong commitment to service.

For the past 25 years, I have devoted myself to studying the hidden mysteries of nature and science, especially the decline of marine life. My research shows that widespread use of hormone and systemic herbicides is the underlying cause of collapsing fisheries, warming seas, the loss of biodiversity and almost all the symptoms of climate change. As a single-issue candidate, I am campaigning to remove these persistent poisons from Northland’s and the world’s environment, restore healthy ecosystems, and protect future generations. Voting me into Northland Regional Council will give me some leverage with policymakers to progress these goals.

John Blackwell

I was born and raised in Kaipara, and have worked here all my life. I farm with my family on a 1850 acre sheep and beef farm at Okahu. My governance history includes Ruawai College chairman, Northland Beef Council chairman, Beef & Lamb Northland Farmers Council chairman, Kaipara district councillor, five years as Northland Federated Farmers president and Northland Field Days treasurer. I am also well connected to many of our members of Parliament.

I am looking for your support to continue my second term. The issues I have been focused on include Northport and the rail link to the port, the four-lane highway to Whangarei, weeds and pests, and kauri die back.

Looking forward, I will continue to work on all the above, as well as the fresh water rules and working with central government to come up with sensible solutions. Keeping rates low, as we have with 3.5 per cent rates rise, the second lowest in New Zealand, is also a priority, as well as maintaining opposition to sand mining.

I will continue to make your concerns heard at the council table, and to support the economy of Northland and the democratic processes of New Zealand.