Candidates

My principal place of residence is in the Waipa District Council area.

Waipā is a very special place. Right now, we face multiple challenges. Reforms in water, planning, and infrastructure mean Waipā needs stability, steady values-based leadership, and continuity now more than ever. Since 2022, I’ve led Waipā through significant but much needed change with integrity, intelligence, and a strong commitment to our community’s values.

With proven experience, I’ve helped shape a Council that balances delivering essential services as affordably as possible while planning strategically for our long-term future. I’ve had to make some difficult decisions, for the right reasons.

My principal place of residence is in the Waipa District Council area.

Kia ora, I am Mike Pettit, standing for Mayor of Waipā District. I've proudly called Waipā home since 1998. I’m married to my wife Nic and have 6 children. As a successful principal of Cambridge Primary School and with over 15 years in local government, I bring strong, proven leadership, financial acumen, and a wide range of governance experience.

My Mayoral leadership will be built off strong relationships, listening more, planning smarter, and ensuring our community is taken on the journey with us. My focus is on accountability, strategic leadership, and making decisions that support the long-term success of Waipā.

My principal place of residence is in the Waipa District Council area. I am also standing for Pirongia and Kakepuku Ward.

As Mayor I will bring strong leadership, financial discipline, and a clear vision for our future. With a career in banking and proven analytical skills, I understand the importance of firm control over council operations and debt. I’ll work to find efficiencies and resolve our growth debt issues, ensure transparent governance, and keep rates affordable.

My strong community values are demonstrated by the award-winning environmental projects I’ve led over 20 odd years - and it shows the incredible value my style of teamwork, innovation and collaboration can achieve and how it inspires further economic opportunities and hope for the future.

My principal place of residence is not in the Pirongia and Kakepuku Ward area. I am also standing for Maungatautari Subdivision.

After 35 years working Waipa dirt (farming and operating machinery) I know your dirt matters to our whole community, so I’m going to get down and dirty to fix council. Our rural folk pay high rates which gets spent in the big towns, yet the only thing growing faster than council debt is our rates bill.

Farmers know all about increasing efficiency and saving costs, so let's save our district. I bring honesty, hard work, and common sense. I'm no politician, I'm just a neighbour who will fight for Pirongia and Kakepuku. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. I'm standing with Better Waipa candidates.

My principal place of residence is in the Pirongia and Kakepuku Ward area.

Raised in Te Pahu by a dairy farmer and a teacher, I’ve lived most of my life in Waipā and deeply value the strong, self-sustaining communities that define our district. I’m running for local government to help defend Waipā’s legacy for future generations: driving community-led solutions that safeguard freshwater, restore native biodiversity, and ensure our district remains resilient to extreme weather events.

With a management degree and a background in entrepreneurship, project management, and consultancy, I bring proven leadership and real-world problem solving experience.

My principal place of residence is in the Pirongia and Kakepuku Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.

I am a 4 term councillor for Waipā and seek re-election. I grew up in the district on a Te Rore dairy farm, had a career in banking and have led award-winning community conservation groups for the last 20 years.

A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors NZ with a first class honours degree in Management, I am an accomplished collaborator, with analytic and innovation strengths. I live in Pirongia Village with my husband Tony, who fully supports my council involvement.

This has included chairing the Audit and Risk Committee, Service Delivery Committee, and being a Commissioner and Chair for RMA Hearings.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

I bring 25 years of global infrastructure leadership, delivering major programmes across the water, transport, energy and urban development sectors. Now based in Cambridge, I want to apply that experience to work for our community.

My experience in long-term planning, financial oversight, and risk management gives me the tools to navigate growth wisely. As Waipā District evolves, we need smart, future-focused decisions: balancing housing, infrastructure, environment and heritage. I’m passionate about ensuring well-managed development, quality services, environmental protection and inclusive decisions which reflect the needs of all residents. I believe strong governance means listening first, acting transparently and ensuring every ratepayer dollar delivers value.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

Like Mike for a Better Waipa.

I am a local business manager. If you work in Cambridge, I represent you. If you shop in Cambridge, I represent you. If you love our restaurants, farmers market, small town vibe, character buildings, and free parking, then Like Mike.

This council is making it hard to do business in Waipa. They are choking the lifeblood of our town with speedbumps. They are not listening to us, and they have plans to do worse. The current councillors are not working for you.

We need to take back control and manage council operations for the people, on time and on budget, to stop the big rates rises.

My principal place of residence is not in the Cambridge Ward area.

Our vibrant community has been home to Philip’s family for multiple generations. It’s because of this Philip wishes to have input into a pathway where the community collectively contributes on a direction which will determine the future for our community. Namely an additional bridge corridor and Cambridge specific transport.

It’s been an honour for Philip being your Cambridge Ward Councillor. Philip holds 2 directorship roles and is President of Cambridge Grey Power. Philip makes himself accessible to the public which helps him to understand the pressing issues out there in the community.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

After six years on the Cambridge Community Board, including three as Chairperson, I'm ready to stand for Council.

Cambridge is a special town, and I'm committed to helping it thrive into the future. I will advocate for the real issues, such as reducing traffic congestion, ensuring the designation of a third bridge location, workable parking strategies and managing required growth while preserving Cambridge's unique village charm.

I’m also focused on maintaining our roads, refreshing our town library, and making sure every decision is guided by financial prudence and a common sense approach.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

I am a sitting Councillor of six years contributing to Council; Strategic Planning & Policy; Finance & Corporate; Service Delivery; Audit & Risk; Regulatory; WDC Maungatautari; Creative Communities; Heritage, District Promotions; and Housing. 95% attendance.

I’m also accredited as a Commissioner for RMA hearings. The experience I have gained over those years on Council will be invaluable during the next term of considerable change. I will continue to act with integrity in representing the interests of Cambridge residents.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

I am solutions focused with a strong commitment to practical outcomes, standing to ensure Waipā District Council delivers real, measurable results, not just rhetoric.

Motivated by concerns over growing bureaucracy and a lack of accountability, I am committed to restoring transparent, community-led governance that addresses the issues residents face every day.

With a focus on core services, sustainable infrastructure, and responsible financial management, my approach is grounded in common sense and long-term thinking. My personal belief is that ratepayers deserve better value, smarter planning, and a council that listens and acts.

My principal place of residence is not in the Cambridge Ward area.

Ratepayers continue to be let down by Waipā District Council with enormous rates hikes, wasteful spending, and poor planning. It is time to give Council a wake-up call and focus on what matters in Waipā.

As a father of two and proud Cambridge local for over 15 years, I understand firsthand the growing pressures facing our families and businesses. I have worked with councils and the private sector throughout NZ to deliver better infrastructure and planning outcomes, and have the real-world expertise needed to ensure our core services are delivered efficiently without waste.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area. I am also standing for Cambridge Subdivision.

I'm Pip Kempthorne. I have lived in Central Cambridge since 2014 and built strong connections in our vibrant district. Throughout my life I have grown, managed and owned recruitment companies, and continue to provide coaching, mentoring and strategy services to a range of organisations. As a consequence, I have learnt about financial stewardship, effective collaboration and good governance.

Cambridge is growing rapidly. We need people on the Council who can manage today's needs while preparing for future demands.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

Over the years, I have experienced growth in various areas: in healthcare where I have recognized the importance of compassion and clear systems; in education where I have helped empower others to rise with knowledge and purpose; in business and finance where I have learned the importance of wise stewardship and planning; and in leadership where I have led teams, ministries and initiatives that uplift people, families, and communities.

These experiences have prepared me to serve the Waipa district with integrity, strategy and grace. As a Councillor who listens, prays, plans and leads with purpose, it is my hope to represent our shared values and to help shape a future that honours God in all that we do.

My principal place of residence is not in the Cambridge Ward area.

My wife Sarah and I have four children and have lived in Cambridge with our son Israel for the past 6 years. With a background in commercial helicopters, the mechanical trade and military service with the New Zealand Army – including operational deployments to East Timor and Iraq - I bring discipline, problem solving, critical thinking and a strong commitment to service.

I’ve built a wide network across Cambridge through my work at Shaw’s, community involvement and playing club rugby for Leamington – keeping me grounded and connected with locals from all levels of society.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

I’m standing for council because I believe we have to actively create the community we want to live in, we can’t just leave it to others. I want to contribute to sensible and reliable local governance, influencing decisions which invest our rates for the long-term benefit of the district.

I will champion the professional and volunteer community organisations that do so much to hold our district together. I’ve seen their work first hand and know how important it is to provide these organisations with a strong voice and tangible support. Local democracy can be unloved, but it plays a vital role in creating towns and districts that thrive; please vote.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

Constituents deserve councillors who have a high level of competency in governance and strategic planning that achieve the outcomes our community requires. My skills include a life experience of achievements across all the requirements for competence as a councillor.

I will be accountable for decisions. I will focus on council costs and effective decision making and efficiency focus for the CEO. Our rapid growth of Cambridge requires carefully planned infrastructure that is timely to needs and doesn’t burden existing rate payers with ongoing high rates increases.

I see the impending heavy traffic through Cambridge as a real issue affecting our amenity values.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

Cambridge has always been my home, and I’m proud to belong here. I’m running for council because I don’t want my rates to rise by 25% in two years and double over nine. I know many feel the same. I want to protect what makes our town special: its character, community spirit, and quality of life.

Council must refocus on core services like roads, water, and waste, cut unnecessary spending, and fix growing issues like traffic and parking. Most of all, I’ll listen. Your voice matters, and I’ll make sure it helps shape every decision.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Ward area.

Hope for a better future

Hope for a Better Waipa

We need to take back control of our council so it is working for us. Cambridge has been damaged by speedbumps and the third bridge fake consultation. Our shops are struggling with fewer carparks and congestion. The current council wants to change the way we live, and to spend our money on growth we don’t want.

We need a Better Waipa team of commonsense councillors who will listen to and work with both town and country residents. I represent our families. I want to care for our grandparents, have job opportunities for mums and dads, fun places for our kids, and have a town where our children can afford homes.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Ward area.

I am a Waipa District Councillor, Community Board representative, Chair of the Regional Civil Defence Joint Committee, Local Government Resource Management Commissioner, and member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

A Life Member of the Te Awamutu Motorcycle Club, Sports Rugby and Recreation Club (currently Patron), and the RSA. Te Awamutu born, I achieved University Entrance and an Advanced Trade Certificate. I served with the New Zealand Army in Malaya and Vietnam. I owned a dairy farm, served as regional chair Federated Farmers Dairy Section.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Ward area.

Hi I’m Marcus, for several years I have been a dedicated voice for our community on Council. I’m a local business owner running an IT business, a trustee of Waipa Networks, member of the Institute of Directors and a Justice of the Peace.

It’s been a privilege having your support to make sure Te Awamutu and Kihikihi residents have a voice in Council, it’s important that our local voice is heard around the table and that we get a share of great projects happening around Waipa.

I am fully supportive of the Don’t Burn Waipa campaign, the waste to energy project has no place in our town.

My principal place of residence is not in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Ward area.

Council numbers look bad. I should know, I was chairperson of the Statistics department at Waikato University. 40% rates rise over the last three years is a big number for everyone, especially pensioners. $392 million debt is a bad number for our children to pay back.

Zero, zilch and nada are the numbers of comments allowed on council posts. So much for transparency, consultation, and public engagement.

I want to fix those numbers. I bring experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to dealing with both data and people.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Ward area.

I live in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi General Ward and have called Waipa home for over 50 years. I raised my family here while serving as a dentist in Te Awamutu and as Senior Dental Surgeon at Waikato Hospital.

I served 30 years in the NZ Territorial Army, retiring as Colonel after holding many senior leadership roles. I was a Waipa District Councillor from 2004 to 2010 and am a qualified RMA Commissioner.

My community involvement spans 38 years with Te Awamutu Rotary, along with voluntary service to the Foodbank, Waikato Hospice, and RSA.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Ward area.

I’m Dean Taylor, a lifelong Te Awamutu local, husband to Robyn and proud parent to a family raised in this vibrant community. My roots run deep, with decades of involvement across groups, trusts and initiatives.

I’ve chaired the Te Awamutu Community Board, served on multiple boards and continue as chair of the Te Awamutu Museum Trust Board and trustee of the Allan Webb Theatre Trust. Through collaboration and hands-on work, I’ve helped bring community projects to life, including co-founding and running a popular annual arts festival in the 2000s as well as other music and entertainment ventures.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Ward area.

It’s time for a reset. As the CEO of the Business Chamber and working on community boards including Destination Te Awamutu, I’ve seen first hand how Council decisions can negatively affect our community and unnecessarily drive up costs for local families and businesses.

We deserve better and that’s why I’m standing.

If elected, my priorities are to ensure Council listens to ratepayers, cuts their wasteful spending and focuses on getting things done in Te Awamutu and Kihikihi.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Ward area.

Council doesn’t care about you. Rates and debt are rising. So, all we are getting are higher rates and water bills, endless spending on unnecessary projects. Meanwhile, council staff numbers keep growing, and wasteful growth projects keep piling up. Who are they really working for?

I worked at council for 20 years back when it served the people, and elected to the Te Awamutu Community Board for six years. I know what good local government looks like and I know we can do better. Accountability and transparency will be restored by listening to you, working with you, and involving skilled locals to guide decisions. Staff won’t run the show anymore, we will.

My principal place of residence is not in the Waipā Māori Ward area. I am also standing for Waikato District Council - Community Board Ngaruawahia.

Ngā whakahonore nui ki tō tātou Kūini, Te Arikinui Ngawai hono i te pō me Te Whare Kāhui Ariki, paimārire.

Kei ngā Iwi toopu o Waipā, nei ake ngā kupu e whakamiha ki a koutou katoa.

Fair Representation. Inclusive Decision Making. Social Cohesion.

Economic development: Continue with partners & stakeholders to unlock opportunities.

My principal place of residence is not in the Waipā Māori Ward area.

Ko Kakepuku te maunga e tū ana hei pou whenua mōku. Ko Puniu te awa e rere ana, he puna oranga mō te iwi. Ko Tainui te waka i kawe mai i ngā tūpuna. Ko Mangatoatoa te marae e ū mai ai tōku wairua. Ko Ngāti Paretekawa te hapū, Ko Ngāti Maniapoto te iwi. He uri tēnei nō Waipa. Ko Yvonne Waho ahau.

I am standing for the Waipā District Council Māori Ward to represent our people with integrity, connection, and purpose. My background spans decades in government and community sectors, working in social services, housing, whenua Māori, and whānau advocacy.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

My name is Graeme Allen. I recently returned to Cambridge where my family, which includes two young granddaughters, reside. I am retired but continue an interest in our family manufacturing business in Hamilton. My qualifications are in civil engineering and management (governance).

I spent 15 years engineering which included time with the old Cambridge Borough Council and the Waipa District Council. My governance experience is on-going as trust chair of a kindergarten and a member of the trust board Asthma Waikato, as well as owning our family business.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

I thought we’d be here for 3 years or so… 25+ years and, well you know the story. Cambridge has a rare charm about it - I love it. A charm that needs to flavour through development and growth as we adapt to changing needs and demands of today and beyond.

I’m a hands-on small business owner/operator based in and around Cambridge. Most of my adult life I’ve been in business. Professionally I’ve a double major in marketing and management, grad dip in PR & communication. I’ve worked at larger councils in senior roles. I make a mean long black having owned a large café.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

As a long time Cambridge local with deep roots in our community, I’m standing for the Cambridge Community Board because I believe in giving back to the place that’s given me so much.

I’m hardworking, hands-on person with strong ties to Cambridge, both as a local business owner and long standing involvement in the sporting scene, including the Hautapu Rugby and horse racing. Sport and business have taught me the value of teamwork, leadership and community spirit, values I’ll bring to the Board.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

I’m proud to call Cambridge home — it’s where I live, work, and raise my family, and I care deeply about its future.

As the owner of local communications, engagement, and marketing firm Belle PR, I work closely with local businesses and community organisations. I’m an active member of the Cambridge Business Chamber and NZ Businesswomen, and a Trustee of the Cambridge Town Hall Trust.

A well-functioning Board is vital to ensuring Council decisions reflect the needs of Cambridge residents. I’ll bring proven skills in strategic thinking, collaboration, and community-building to the table. I’m pragmatic in my approach and committed to listening actively, engaging widely, and advocating effectively for key projects, initiatives and priority work.

My principal place of residence is not in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

A Younger Face, Fresh Voice And Thinking. Kia ora, my name is Mitchell Jordan, and I'm standing for a seat on the Cambridge community board. In politics today, we are seeing so much change and people being impacted by that change either for good or for bad.

I have experience in governance and leadership within the environmental, performing arts, education and politics arenas. I believe in bringing people together and working together as one. I believe we should work from the middle and bring the left and right together to move forward.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area. I am also standing for Cambridge Ward.

I am Pip Kempthorne. I have lived in Central Cambridge since 2014 and built strong connections in our vibrant district. Throughout my life I have grown, managed and owned recruitment companies, and continue to provide coaching, mentoring and strategy services to a range of organisations. My leadership experience has taught me about connecting with customers, financial stewardship, effective collaboration and good governance.

Cambridge is growing rapidly. We need local representation that understand today's needs while preparing for the challenges ahead.

My principal place of residence is not in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

I am Chris Minneé. My parents along with my younger brother and sister moved to Cambridge 1966 being dairy farmers and as a 13 year old attended Cambridge High school.

In 1969 I started an aircraft engineering apprenticeship at Hamilton Airport, which began my journey over many years maintaining helicopters for companies I worked for, to starting my own helicopter maintenance business in 1989. During this time I learned people skills, management skills, patience and a lot of common sense, and since retiring a heightened sense of caring for our town Cambridge.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

I’m standing to promote open communication between the Cambridge community and Council. I will listen to my community and advocate for them. I'll represent my community well. Community service is a huge part of my life, with my significant and ongoing contribution to the community recognised in the award of a Queen’s Service Medal in the 2023 New Year Honours list. This includes nearly 30 years of voluntary leadership within mainly music which runs weekly programmes where young children and their carers find delight through music and play.

As well as my up-front leadership of local programmes, a nine-year stint on the national board gave me valuable governance experience I can bring to the community board table.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

Like many of you, I feel fortunate to call Cambridge home. I believe the Community Board provides a vital link between the community and council - your local voice, influencing and shaping decisions that affect us all. Strong board members will be able to build relationships across the community and advocate effectively on your behalf.

I have over 15 years of governance experience in Cambridge and the Waikato and come from a social services and advocacy background. Some positions I still hold currently. Earlier this year, I made the decision to step away from a council role to better serve the community directly.

My principal place of residence is not in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

I grew up in Cambridge and love the community feel. I went to school here as did my father and now my teenage daughters. I’m involved in our local football club where, I have held various roles over the last 25 years. Currently as the Women's Club captain. This involvement has led me to want to look into our wider community to help others.

I love the history of our town and rural communities and how it has developed to where we are now. I own a small business in town so my connections with the business community will help me understand their aspects whilst living rural gives me a broad outlook at all our community lifestyles.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

Community-minded and driven, I am passionate about creating opportunities for young people and representing the voices that often go unheard. With a strong focus on inclusivity, support, and long-term impact, I am committed to initiatives that empower youth and build stronger, more connected communities.

My goal is to serve with integrity, listen actively, and take action that truly reflects the needs of the people.

My principal place of residence is not in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

Ko Tainui te waka, Waikato te awa, Ngati Koroki Kahukura te lwi, Maungatautari me Pohara ōku marae. Ko Te Hiiri Taute tōku ingoa: My name is Te Hiiri Taute, a descendant of Ngati Koroki Kahukura from Cambridge / Maungatautari / Oreipunga.

After living overseas for 30 years I returned to live in the Cambridge area in 2015. I am currently active in several community organisations predominantly providing social, health and well-being services to the Waipā community.

I believe Government - Central and Local should be diverse in its make-up and reflective of the communities they serve.

My principal place of residence is in the Cambridge Subdivision area.

Having called Cambridge home for the past 26 years, I bring local knowledge and a strong commitment to our community. I am the owner of LJ Hooker Real Estate.

I hold two Law degrees, a Diploma in Human Resources and a Real Estate Agents license. I am involved in mentoring woman, the chamber of Commerce and a variety of charities. I am a mother and grandmother.

My career spans the legal field, business ownership and people management, equipping me with the analytical skills, governance insight and pragmatic judgement, necessary for effective decision making.

My principal place of residence is in the Maungatautari Subdivision area. I am also standing for Pirongia and Kakepuku Ward.

The strength of Waipā has always been its people - the farmers working the land, the volunteers who pour their hearts into school galas and community events. These are the people I’ve fought for since day one. For too long families have watched their rates climb while services decline and small towns have been left behind as decisions are made for them, not with them.

This election marks my final stand for council, this time in Pirongia, because Pirongia and Kakepuku ward represent the best chance to finally turn the tide.

My principal place of residence is in the Maungatautari Subdivision area.

Vote for me if you want a representative voice that delivers a consistent and dedicated enquiry: To dial back rates by questioning waste, size, service, and offerings; To focus on quality of growth not the quantity; To voice for protection of the rural aspect that drives our local economy and of rural land swallowed by suburban sprawl.

I'm constructive, pragmatic, and happy to listen to you. I have 3 years experience on the Board. I will hit the ground running. Taking a stand on these issues can be a lonely affair. I’m asking for a double down on your support, then I will double down on seeking detail on performance for the future.

Thank you all for your support for the last 3 years. I’m determined that I can add more value if re-elected.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Subdivision area.

I am in my 30s and have a young family in Kihikihi. I am passionate about ensuring Te Awamutu and Kihikihi are great places to live for everyone. I would bring a fresh new voice to the Community Board to ensure it represents all of us. We need to eliminate council spending on things that the community does not want. Instead, I want to focus on getting back to basics and spending ratepayers’ money wisely, avoiding further rates increases.

We need to listen to our community. We must do better for our families – playgrounds not vape shops, safe areas for our kids and opportunities in sports, arts and culture.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Subdivision area.

As a proud Te Awamutu local for almost 25 years, I’ve raised my two children here with my partner, Space Dave, participating in many community and sports groups along the way. I also work at Kainga Aroha Community House, where supporting people is at the heart of what I do. I bring deep community knowledge and commitment to local governance. I’ve served three terms on our Community Board, including two as chairperson, working hard to represent local voices and drive meaningful outcomes for our town.

I’m standing for election to ensure Te Awamutu and Kihikihi voices are not only heard but help shape the future of our shared spaces. Our communities deserve to be at the centre of decision making.

My principal place of residence is not in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Subdivision area.

Tēnā koutou katoa. I’m Hone Kopa and I’m standing for the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board because strong Māori representation matters. For over 20 years, I have worked to uplift Māori voices and improve outcomes for our people. As Pouwhakahaere of Kaitiaki Services at Waiora Waikato Hospital, I’ve been a committed advocate for better Māori health and wellbeing. I also serve as a Marae representative within Te Whakakitenga o Waikato, ensuring our tikanga and aspirations are upheld in key decision-making spaces.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Subdivision area.

Lifelong citizen of Te Awamutu. Aged 61 at the time of writing. My work history includes town milk distribution 21 years, (16 years self-employed), 18 years retail, in a number of supermarkets, and a variety of part time or short term positions. I attended Te Awamutu Primary, Intermediate, and College. My highest educational achievement is a Diploma in Business Computing (with distinction), Waikato Polytech.

I care very much, about maintaining the historic integrity of Te Awamutu’s War Memorial Park. My reason for standing for Community Board? Advocating on behalf of the community is very important, and as I’m not currently in full-time employment, I have the time to do my share.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Subdivision area.

Having been a Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board member for six years, I’m really keen to stand for a further term.

I’m approachable and friendly, with a listening ear and a passion for discussing concerns, new ideas and initiatives with members of the community. I enjoy being part of the planning process for local projects and seeing them through to completion.

I recently received a Services to the Community award from the Te Awamutu Rotary Club, acknowledging my role in the design and installation of a fitness circuit for teenagers in a local park, operating the free Jenga programme for youth (part of which involved making the longest American hotdog in NZ) and being co-ordinator of Operation Christmas Hamper in Te Awamutu (responsible for providing 200 families in need with gifts for their children and food for the Christmas season).

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Subdivision area.

Involved with the district for over 40 years, I’m a semi-retired drainlayer / plumber. Previously I owned and operated a dairy farm, retraining as a drainlayer / plumber 26 years ago. I’m heavily involved in the Waipa community and am a trustee of CommSafe and am on the RSA executive committee. I was chairperson of the Pirongia Community Association (11 years).

My children attended Te Awamutu College, and I have been active in several local community and sporting organisations. I’m passionate about where I live and have served on the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board for the last three years.