Candidates profiles

Sam JENNINGS
The Change We Need

My principal place of residence is in the Horowhenua District Council area. I am also standing for Levin Ward.

I'll be a full-time mayor focussed solely on your needs and making Horowhenua better. I'll continue to stand up for Horowhenua, whether it is on roading, three waters or other central government reforms.

Council has new management, but we need a new mayor to achieve real change to complete the refresh and refocus Council desperately needs. I'm the change we need.

I have fought hard to increase Council openness, lift performance, ensure accountability, tackle wasteful spending and improve governance practice.

I am the only candidate that has a plan to deliver better governance and faster results, and not just more of the same.

I'll lead a Council that you can trust, and which is focussed on its core business, not fluff.

I'll be a mayor focused on a culture of fiscal restraint. On my watch, the substantial rate increases experienced in 2021/22 won't be acceptable again.

Vote Sam for Mayor.

Victoria KAYE-SIMMONS
Independent

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

Horowhenua is growing, the world looks far different since the last election. It's time to focus on our people and make our district one that puts the community at the centre of decision-making. I'm standing for Mayor to work for our people from all walks of life. I'm an independent candidate, my priority is people - not politics. During the last 12 years serving our community as a District Councillor and 27 running my local business, it has always been the people that keep me energised and committed to working for impactful change in the community. Four generations of my family have had the privilege to call Horowhenua home. Now, as the district grows and changes I'm ready with the experience and the attitude to hear from our diverse community and deliver what we need to thrive and grow together. All or nothing this year - vote Vic for Mayor.

Bernie WANDEN

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

It has been an honour and a privilege to have been the Mayor of Horowhenua and I seek your support to continue to serve the residents of this District for another term.

Despite many challenges, including Covid-19 arriving only a few months into the term, there has been much that has been achieved.

Relationships have been restored, and we have continued to invest and deliver our core services well. It is important that we build on this platform and continue the positive momentum that has been created.

There will be many challenges ahead of us, especially with our continued growth and the number of Government reforms being proposed, but it is vital that we have a balanced and stable leadership to ensure Horowhenua meets those challenges and benefits positively from the reforms.

I am motivated to do everything in my power to continue to make that happen for Horowhenua.

David ALLAN

My principal place of residence is in the Kere Kere General Ward area.

It has been a privilege to work alongside my fellow councillors over the last three years and in particular my fellow Kere Kere ward councillor Ross Brannigan. Front of mind has been the certainty that our district will be one of the faster growing in New Zealand over the next two decades. Both elected members and officers have spent many hours - in both meetings and workshops - developing detailed and pragmatic responses to respond to this certainty. For me the recently adopted Blueprint represents a coherent action plan. Included in its priorities are an adequate housing supply including affordable housing along with robust infrastructure and healthy well connected communities. At a local level a strong focus for me is working with Save Our River Trust to bring life and flow back to our river loop.

Ross BRANNIGAN

My principal place of residence is in the Kere Kere General Ward area.

I am asking you the community to elect me for a fourth term. Over the past nine years I have had the privilege of representing you on Council and have done so with a high level of energy and commitment, we have achieved many great things in the Kere Kere ward over that time, but there is more to do. I must also acknowledge my fellow Kere Kere Ward councillor David Allan, we have worked as a team for the betterment of the Kere Kere ward. Horowhenua is currently seeing unprecedented growth which is projected to continue, this needs to be carefully managed to ensure we preserve the special things about our communities and District that we love so much. We are facing major challenges particularly in stormwater management and along with growth the knowledge and experience I have gained over the past 9 years in this role is needed more than ever.

John GIRLING

My principal place of residence is in the Kere Kere General Ward area. I am also standing for Te Awahou Foxton Community Board.

Passionate about The Foxton and Kere Kere area, John has served on the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board for six years. With a strong belief in the importance of the community, he is currently Chair of Personal Money Coaches by Foxton Districts Budget Service and introduced E-Funding, interest free loans for the needy and the Community Garden in partnership with the Salvation Army. He is Chair of the Foxton Flax Stripper Museum; member of Foxton Futures Governance Group; funding group lead of Save Our River Trust. John was installed as Master of Te Awahou Lodge this year.

His wide experience ranges from managing a dairy farm, being an industrial psychologist, carrying out due diligence on major international projects for a Swiss lending organisation and spending 15 years as a Foreign Expert in China in Agriculture and Education.

He believes that common sense serves us better than bureaucracy.

Brett RUSSELL
Simply The Best

My principal place of residence is in the Kere Kere General Ward area. I am also standing for Te Awahou Foxton Community Board.

I am a proven, no-nonsense business leader and change agent.

I live in Foxton Beach. I chair the Foxton Beach Progressive Association Incorporated.

I am standing for Councillor and also for Community Board Member in the Kere Kere Ward.

I want you to be involved and excited about Foxton, Foxton Beach and the Horowhenua District as a whole. Opportunities and challenges abound. My vision is for a thriving community that exceeds your expectations. A community where you are listened to, where your contribution is valued. A community where stuff gets done through great leadership. I get stuff done.

That's why I want to be your Councillor and/or your Community Board Member.

Environmental issues, community wellbeing, economic resilience and effective use of the Foxton Beach Free Holding Account are my priorities. Please vote for me. Ma tini, ma mano, ka rapa te whai. By joining together we will succeed.

Robert KETU

My principal place of residence is in the Miranui General Ward area.

Miranui is an amazing community that I'm proud to belong to. I'm passionate about our growth and our future. A second term in office will compound and build on the gains I've made with you and for you in my first term. In my personal life, I've faced adversity and overcome. I take this same passion and determination into Council. There is so much potential in our region, improved environmental outcomes, eco-tourism, improved infrastructure, opportunities for economic stimulus, housing development and growth, and environmental educational opportunities. I'm fully committed to both growth in our community and good environmental decisions that will protect our community's sustainability. I've been a leader and advocate in the community in many roles for many years. If re-elected I will work tirelessly to achieve these things for the Miranui community. Together we can make a difference.

Paul OLSEN

My principal place of residence is in the Miranui General Ward area.

Paul is born and bred in the Horowhenua and is passionate about the opportunities that exist within the district.

He has extensive governance experience, including several industry-good and not-for profit organisations.

Paul is focussed on continually improving and upskilling, having completed a number of leadership and governance programmes on top of his formal education (Diploma in Farm Management from Lincoln University and an Executive Masters of Business Administration from Massey University).

Paul's primary objective is to help facilitate further economic growth within the Horowhenua district, as well as ensuring there is suitable infrastructure and facilities to support its ratepayers and community.

He is an approachable, community-minded person who is willing to use his strengths and experience to achieve the best outcomes for those living in the Horowhenua district.

Independent

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

I was born and raised in Levin. I have been self employed as a manufacturing jeweller for the past 35 years. I am married with 5 adult children. I want to bring the voice of the community to the council table. In regard to any decisions that are made there, my only concern is whether or not those decisions are in the best interests of the ratepayers.

Clint GRIMSTONE

My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.

The future of our rohe is undoubtably bright, it is what we do today that will determine what our future will look like. Council requires strong leadership, courage to make difficult decisions, and focus to deliver outcomes that enhance community wellbeing. It requires leaders who can listen, connect, and respond.

I stand for Council to advocate for Taitoko/Levin. I have worked 27 years in the banking industry helping people turn their dreams into reality. My mahi with St John Horowhenua has been focused on delivering health initiatives that support the wellbeing of our community. Most Saturdays you will find me coaching the next generation of footballers and cricketers.

My wife Louise and I are parents to 3 boys, it is creating a future for them that drives me, as well as seeing equity of opportunity, so all our people can thrive. I am proud to call Horowhenua home!

Sam JENNINGS
Standing Up For Horowhenua

My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.

Council is in desperate need of change. A new Chief Executive brings great opportunity, but new governance leadership is needed to make things happen and get things done. Council often moves too slow, can be frustrating to deal with, is bureaucratic, and wastes money.

Over the last 3 years I have been a hard-working councillor, actively pushing for change to lift Council performance and exposing poor spending practices. I remain focussed on sensible spending, more accountability, and ensuring Council delivers core services effectively and efficiently.

I want to make Horowhenua an even better place to live, work and play, where our lifestyle is protected, and we can take opportunities to realise the district's potential to ensure people can be healthier, wealthier and happier.

I'll continue to bring youthful energy and passion for refreshing and refocusing Council to deliver better. I'll be the champion and advocate that Horowhenua needs right now.

Athol KIRK
Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.

Levin and Horowhenua have a wonderful location, environment and resources making this a fabulous place to live, work and play. It is the duty of the council to protect that environment and resources, while simultaneously improving and expanding infrastructure and amenity to accommodate the increasing numbers choosing our district to live.

With three generations of my family living in Levin I will do everything in my power to ensure that they have the best possible environment for their future. My Bachelor of Health Science with a major in Environmental Risk Management, along with local and central government experience will help in that aim.

The electors of the Horowhenua district want and deserve councillors who's loyalties and interests are focused on providing the best possible services. As an independent candidate, with no party affiliations, I believe I can offer a truly impartial mind and voice to the council table.

Jane Vailaua MASOE

My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.

Talofa Lava, Kia ora, I am Jane Masoe, I am of Samoan decent, a mother of two beautiful girls and the oldest of 3 siblings. I have grown up in Levin currently working with young people as a tutor and counsellor. Locally educated, Taitoko Kindergarten, Fairfield School and Waiopehu College. Levin is a place I call home.

I have a passion for working alongside people, as well as working for our beautiful community, I am motivated and passionate about shaping our community for our future. I would be honoured to serve as a Levin Ward councillor.

Fa'afetai Lava, Thank you.

Veronica PITT

My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.

Growing up here and then raising my own family in the Horowhenua, I look forward to this opportunity to represent and engage with the community.

Throughout my life I have been involved in community activities and organisations including Playcentre, Horowhenua Family Violence Intervention Programme, and HALT. I currently work as Executive Director for the NZ Psychological Society. I have governance experience through national boards and have completed the Company Directors Course with Institute of Directors.

I seek constructive, collaborative solutions to issues, that honour Te Tiriti. I believe strongly in the importance of whānau, of iwi and community and balancing this with a viable economy.

Growth in the Horowhenua is a fantastic opportunity and my interest is ensuring that the region evolves to provide inclusive community spaces, protect the environment, deliver necessary infrastructure, enable effective public transport, improve healthcare accessibility, and generally support a vibrant community for us all.

Kelly TAHIWI

My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.

I am Kelly Tahiwi, born and bred local woman of Levin, with connections across Horowhenua. I am Muaūpoko and Ngati Raukawa.

As a family with local businesses, Horowhenua is always going to be us.

I have grass roots, ground level passion for this community. My background is in education. I work with young children, young people, community and a diverse range of community, education and business leaders. My local governance experience includes schools, early childhood, sports, community, and iwi organisations.

An active community and iwi member, I am passionate about our community and families. Our community is changing and we need leadership that is responsive and future focused but keeps the essence of Horowhenua at the fore. Let's get it right, for all our community our children and for future generations.

Piri-Hira Josephine TUKAPUA

My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.

I'm privileged to have represented Levin and served the people of Horowhenua for 3 terms. With each term a new Mayor (Duffy, Feyen & Wanden) the ability to adapt to different leadership styles, remain solutions focused and work constructively with others has been critical for decisions that balance community needs and wants for both now and the future.

Along with 5 other elected members, I voted for a rates decrease for the 2020-2021 year which proved to have great results with no loss to levels of service and no impact to Standard and Poors credit rating.

I stand for affordability, efficiency, prudent distribution of rates, maintaining local ownership and local voice of 3 water assets, advancing O2NL, enabling housing, supporting locally owned businesses, strengthening communities and improving our natural environment.

I will continue to bring a positive, strategic, excellent work ethic and a youthful, feminine, business perspective that adds value.

Carl VAN DEN BERG
To serve my community

My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.

I Carl Van Den Berg am standing for creativity, sustainability, accountability, transparency, efficiency and to serve ratepayer and residents interests.

Alan YOUNG

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

Kia ora, my name is Alan Young I am a business owner, and a proud Levin resident.

I am standing for the Horowhenua District Council Levin ward in the upcoming elections because I have a great passion to serve this community and make Horowhenua into a happier, healthier and safer place to live.

My experiences and relationships built within the community makes me well-equipped to be a strong voice for our diverse community as I can understand the issues and challenges faced by our society. Horowhenua is a highly diverse community with its beautiful beaches, public facilities and, not to mention, great people!

As your future representative, I will work on developing positive relationships between people of all faiths and cultures.

Please feel free to visit my social media profiles to learn more about myself and my policies.

Barry AYLWARD

My principal place of residence is in the Waiopehu General Ward area.

As I am standing for a duly elected position. I have not lost touch that I will be doing my best for ratepayers. Both to ensure the rate payer gets best value for their contributions and to give the utmost in communication. I do wish your support and will always be available. Regards, Barry Aylward.

Rogan BOYLE

My principal place of residence is in the Waiopehu General Ward area.

Kia ora!

I'm stoked to be running to be one of your councillors for the Waiopehu Ward here in Taitoko.

I value transparency, integrity, honesty and communication - Almost to a fault with how blunt I am.

Our district faces serious challenges and I hope to bring fresh perspectives on how to tackle these in an efficient, pragmatic and modern way while ensuring our community is heard and the whenua we live upon is respected.

Having worked at Horowhenua District Council, I understand the organisation, its strengths and where they need to focus to improve.

Professionally - I'm an IT Engineer, clearly embracing technological change must be prioritised to save us all time and money.

Personally - I've lived in Koputaroa for seven years, and spend most of my spare time (struggling to) run an organic orchard.

While I'm realistic about what council can achieve, I'm optimistic and want us to aim higher.

Jonathan PROCTER

My principal place of residence is in the Waiopehu General Ward area.

I'm a Professor in Natural Hazards who has taught and actively researches natural hazard science and emergency management at Massey University.

I'm born & breed from Levin. I'm passionate about making sure our town continues to develop and grow recognising our history and culture.

As a Māori academic it's also important to contribute to iwi and ensure rangatiratanga is recognised. I have done this through Treaty of Waitangi hearings, governance boards, and environmental restoration projects, including gaining funding for Māori initiatives. Professor Procter represents his hapu Ngati Pariri in a range of matters, and regularly supports a number of iwi to find solutions to issues facing them from environmental management through to emergency management as well as providing GIS and planning initiatives.

It's important that we all have a voice in shaping the future of our district making sure everyone's history helps guide us towards a stronger future.

Nina HORI TE PA

My principal place of residence is in the Horowhenua Māori Ward area.

Muaūpoko, Ngāti Huia ki Matau and Ngāti Tūkorehe are my iwi. Levin has been my home all my life. I am proud to have been raised, and to raise my children and grandchildren, in this beautiful community, and to have contributed to that community over the years. I am proud to be Māori, and to work in service of our people.

I am excited to be standing for Councillor in the Horowhenua Māori Ward. This presents a unique opportunity for Māori-specific representation. I will listen and work hard to represent and be the voice for Māori.

My two key motivations are land and people: whānau and whenua, tāngata and taiao. These are what I see as the foundations of all issues of concern for Māori people today. I will apply my significant governance, work and life experience for strategic and considered decision-making, in the best interests of the Horowhenua District.

He uri ahau nō Muaūpoko, Ngāti Huia ki Matau me Ngāti Tūkorehe. Ko Horowhenua ki Taitoko tōku tūrangawaewae. E poho kererū ana au kua tupu ake au, kua whāngaia hokia e au āku tamariki rātou ko āku mokopuna, ki roto tēnei hāpori māhana. E whakahīhī ana ahau mō tōku Māoritanga, ā, mō ngā iwi Māori taku mahi roa.

E harikoa ana taku ngākau ki te whai pooti mō Kaikaunihera ki te Horowhenua Māori Ward hou. E puta ana tētehi whai wāhi mō te iwi Māori. Ko tōku kaingākau ka tū au hei māngai mō tātou te iwi Māori.

Ko ngā pou o tōku whakaohooho: whānau me te whenua, tāngata me te taiao. Ki taku nei whakaaro, ko ēnei te tumu o ngā take hirahira katoa ki ngā iwi Māori. Ka whakamahia āku wheako whānui hei whakatau whakaaroaro, mō te rohe o Horowhenua.

Troy O'CARROLL
Whakawehi Marae Trustees

My principal place of residence is in the Horowhenua Māori Ward area.

Husband, Father, Koro. Residing in Shannon where our children were educated at Hanana Kohanga Reo and Rumaki Reo Unit; Shannon and Foxton School.

I've held/hold roles as, Licensee and Chairman - Hanana Kohanga Reo, BOT rep for Ngāti Whakatere - Shannon School, Foxton School BOT, Trustee Whakawehi Marae Governance for Ngāti Whakatere, Te Tumatakāhuki - hapū/marae partnership with HDC, Ngā Kaiwhakapumau - governance body for Te Waiora Practice, Te Taiao o Ngāti Whakatere - Environmental arm dealing with local and regional territorial bodies.

My reasons for standing, Extension of roles already undertaken and to learn more about council and improving Māori influence, Involvement with marae and community creating stronger connections, My values - whānau, hapū, iwi empowerment, rangatiratanga and working with whānau whanui for their wellbeing, A better future for our whanau in terms of Te Taiao, Hauora, Mātauranga, and improving socio-economic situations, Walking the talk and representing hapu aspirations.

Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Te Aokaparangi te maunga
Ko Manawatū te awa
Ko Ngāti Whakatere te iwi
Ko Whakawehi te marae
Tihei tupae ahaha!
E ngā mate o tēnei marae, otirā o tēnā marae, o tēnā marae puta noa i te motu
Haere, haere, haere atu rā 
Haere ki Hawaiki nui, ki Hawaiki roa, ki Hawaiki Pāmamao
Te hono i wairua ki te whai ao ki te ao mārama
Haere, haere. Kāti ki a rātou
Ko rātou te hunga mate ki te hunga mate
Ko tātou te hunga ora ki te hunga ora
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Tihei Mauriora
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini

Justin TAMIHANA

My principal place of residence is in the Horowhenua Māori Ward area. I am also standing for Te Awahou Foxton Community Board.

I'm a son, husband, father, Koro, and have an appreciation of all that entails. I'm standing for the Horowhenua Māori Ward and Te Awahou Foxton Community Board. I'm actively involved with many marae and hapū across the district, a current member of the Manawatu Estuary Management Group, Foxton Futures, and an avid supporter of S.O.R.T., also working with other community groups.

l'm passionate about our community and support solution focused initiatives for better outcomes. Our environment is paramount as is the health and wellbeing. I believe I could assist, promote, and achieve objectives we can all be proud of.

Being approachable is key to ensuring I'm able to engage effectively with community. Honesty, integrity, and transparency are key to assisting our community, in making good decisions. This requires great communication, and I am committed to delivering exactly that.

Its time to get involved to support genuine engagement with positive outcomes.

Trevor CHAMBERS

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board area.

Kia ora. My name is Trevor Chambers. I am seeking re-election to the Foxton Community Board. I have served on the Community Board for the last 3 years and it has been a real learning experience. I've been a part of and contributed to many meetings and workshops during this time, including Council procedures and processes. I've lived in Foxton for over 60 years, my wife Sarah was born here as were our four children, so we have seen many changes. I am seeking re-election because I know I can do this.

Nola FOX

Working together for Foxton & Beach

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board area.

I am standing for the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board as I have a strong belief in giving back to my community. I bring over 30 years governance and financial management skills in both profit and not-for-profit organisations. I want to see Foxton and Foxton Beach thrive for current and future generations. I believe good communication between central government and ratepayers is key to good outcomes and people being heard on what they want for their community.

I live at Foxton Beach with my husband of 38 years, converting our bach of 25 years into our permanent residence in 2015. I was the Foxton Playcentre Supervisor for over 2 years. Currently I spend 3+ days a week volunteering at Wildlife Foxton Trust as a working trustee; am a trustee of Manawatū Estuary Trust and chairperson for Foxton War Memorial Hall Society Inc.

John GIRLING

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board area. I am also standing for Kere Kere Ward.

Passionate about The Foxton and Kere Kere area, John has served on the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board for six years. With a strong belief in the importance of the community, he is currently Chair of Personal Money Coaches by Foxton Districts Budget Service and introduced E-Funding, interest free loans for the needy and Community Garden in partnership with the Salvation Army. He is Chair of the Foxton Flax Stripper Museum; member of Foxton Futures Governance Group; funding group lead of Save Our River Trust. John was installed as Master of Te Awahou Lodge this year.

His wide experience ranges from managing a dairy farm, being an industrial psychologist, carrying out due diligence on major international projects for a Swiss lending organisation and spending 15 years as a Foreign Expert in China in Agriculture and Education.

He believes that common sense serves us better than bureaucracy.

David ROACHE

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board area.

My name is David Roache and my principal place of residence is within the Foxton Community Board area, and I am seeking re-election to the Foxton Community Board.

I am a born and bred resident of Foxton, and a local business man, and with my wife Pauline our first priority is our family my son, two daughters and six grandchildren

My second priority is to the community, my service to the community started in 1985, including Foxton Borough Council, Horowhenua District Council, and thirty three years as a Community Board member.

I have shared many achievements over this time with my fellow councillors and board members.

What I am offering is experience, honesty, and an understanding of our community's needs and what is required from its board members.

I would like to thank our community for their past support. And look forward to your further support in the coming election.

Brett RUSSELL
Simply The Best

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board area. I am also standing for Kere Kere Ward.

I am a proven, no-nonsense business leader and change agent.

I live in Foxton Beach. I chair the Foxton Beach Progressive Association Incorporated.

I am standing for Councillor and also for Community Board Member in the Kere Kere Ward.

I want you to be involved and excited about Foxton, Foxton Beach and the Horowhenua District as a whole. Opportunities and challenges abound.

My vision is for a thriving community that exceeds your expectations. A community where you are listened to, where your contribution is valued. A community where stuff gets done through great leadership.

I get stuff done. That's why I want to be your Councillor and/or your Community Board Member.

Environmental issues, community wellbeing, economic resilience and effective use of the Foxton Beach Free Holding Account are my priorities.

Please vote for me. Ma tini, ma mano, ka rapa te whai. By joining together we will succeed.

Lindsay SANSON

My principal place of residence is in the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board area.

I was born in Foxton, educated in Foxton and now continue to reside and work in Foxton. I am married to Judy, who was also educated in Foxton and while both my adult children currently live out of the Foxton area, they too, were educated and lived in Foxton for a substantial part of their lives.

My work affords me the opportunity to travel internationally and extensively within New Zealand where I get to work with many businesses and the people within those businesses in small and large towns and cities.

Wherever I travel I always sell the many positives of Foxton and Foxton Beach. Foxton and Foxton Beach continue to have enormous potential for tourism and business opportunities, my goal should I be elected to the community board will be to help, wherever possible, enable sustainable and practical growth that contributes to the unique character of our physical region.

Justin TAMIHANA

My principal place of residence is in the Horowhenua Māori Ward area. I am also standing for Te Awahou Foxton Community Board.

I'm a son, husband, father, Koro, and have an appreciation of all that entails. I'm standing for the Horowhenua Māori Ward and Te Awahou Foxton Community Board. I'm actively involved with many marae and hapū across the district, a current member of the Manawatu Estuary Management Group, Foxton Futures, and an avid supporter of S.O.R.T., also working with other community groups.

l'm passionate about our community and support solution focused initiatives for better outcomes. Our environment is paramount as is the health and wellbeing. I believe I could assist, promote, and achieve objectives we can all be proud of.

Being approachable is key to ensuring I'm able to engage effectively with community. Honesty, integrity, and transparency are key to assisting our community, in making good decisions. This requires great communication, and I am committed to delivering exactly that.

Its time to get involved to support genuine engagement with positive outcomes.