A Thames business person with links to the Cornish Miners who came to Thames in 1869.
Thoroughly enjoy speaking and listening to local Government. More than 20 years of being an elected member, including 9 years as a District Councillor (6 years as Deputy Mayor) and currently Thames Community Board Chair. Immensely proud of what the Board has achieved over the past 3 years.
As a community minded person, I have sponsored, Thames youth rugby, Arts, School Trips and Individuals. Currently Patron of Thames Valley Pipes & Drums. Previous President of Hauraki Justice of the Peace Association and established in 2012 the Place at The Table Trust providing a free Christmas lunch in Thames.
The new three years may be difficult for local government so strong leadership will be required to ensure that the people of Thames receive what they are entitled to.
Phone: 0212785657 E-mail: adrian@twentymans.co.nz
An Ecology Architect fusing together Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Systems Ecology and Planning.
My personality being frank, blunt, honest and a person that stands up will be evident.
Working for several city councils and corporates at high level, leading teams.
I focussed in Policy, Stormwater, Sewage and Solid Waste, Planning and Building knowing we can save millions. I have steered a number of community-based NGOs involving myself in many political issues from a community standpoint, instigating and facilitating workshops.
I will draw out the abundance of intellect and skill sets from our people of Coromandel through weekly brainstorming, open to all. The people will govern. The building and planning processes will be overhauled to ensure maximum efficiency. All accounts will undergo full open public audits for absolute accountability.
Martina and our four girls live in our 13 acre garden at Puriri offering workshops on an array of topics.
Phone: 0220756211 E-mail: stevenlawrencehart@gmail.com
Kia ora!
I was born here in Thames and although I moved away when I was young, I have always had family living here and spent a good part of my childhood exploring the peninsula.
My working life has been a jack of all trades, from customer service and sales to engineering workshops, logistics to support worker. I have now established myself as a stone sculpter, my work can be seen at Vessel Artist Co-op of which I am a proud member.
I moved back to Thames in 2020 and have since been finding ways to get more involved in the community.
As your community board representative I will bring true advocacy for the community and be a conduit between the ward and the council as a whole.
While I cannot promise perfection, I can promise to listen to the community and represent that to the best of my ability.
E-mail: stuforcommunityboard@gmail.com
I thank you for voting me in at the last elections, I have appreciated the opportunity to serve you and have worked hard on the Thames Community Board as Deputy Chair since 2022.
3 years of representing your interests has given me a good knowledge of local government in this area. I’ve represented the board on the following projects; Kopu Marine, Porritt Park, Moanataieri Lookout Track, Thames Promotion Map Signs, Porritt Park Slip-lane, Kopu Roundabout, Thames Dump Station, Thames Museum extension.
I continue working in my architecture business, am a Trustee of Thames Public Arts Trust and a Life Member of Thames Squash Rackets Club which all contribute to good connections within the community and an understanding of local issues.
The Thames Community Board is a very well-functioning unit; I’d like to build on that and continue to serve the Thames Ward ratepayer. I would very much appreciate your vote.
I left Paeroa college in 1965 and worked in the family business A.G. Leach & Co until 1976. Spent 3 year on Nauru Island in the Central Pacific as a mining supervisor. 1980 moved on to our farm in Coroglen. While farming we started our tourism business Aotearoa Tours including Aotearoa Lodge. 1994 we bought and operated Aotearoa Lodge & Conference Centre in Whitianga. In 1994 I also sold rural & tourism properties for Whrightons Real Estate. I retired in 2008.
I chaired Tourism Coromandel from 1989 through to late 1990's. I was a council member on TCDC 1989 til 1995 and was mayor from 2010 to 2016.
Now that I am living in Thames and retired, owning the Salutation Apartments I feel I have time to give to the Community Board.
Phone: 0274985122
I'm standing for re-election to the Thames Community Board because I'm passionate about being a voice for the younger generation.
I believe in progress, creating more opportunities, supporting young families, and building a future where people have real reason to stay and thrive in Thames.
Over the past term, I've brought energy, a fresh perspective, and a genuine commitment to the people of our town. I stand up for what I believe in and am not afraid to change by promoting growth, encouraging innovation, and making sure our town reflects the needs for all generations, especially those building their future here. I would be honored to continue serving as a strong, forward-thinking voice on the Thames-Community Board.
My name is Cole McDowell and I would be honoured to represent you in the Thames Community Board. I’m not your usual candidate.
I’m 27 years old, I was born and raised and completed my schooling in Thames, as did my parents. After 8 years in the NAVY, early in 2024, my wife and our son and I moved back to Thames where we purchased our home. I currently work as an electrician where I get to engage with many people throughout our community and this is useful in determining public attitudes towards local affairs. I will ensure common concerns and issues are heard loud and clear in our Council.
As a Board member I would bring skills used throughout the RNZN and Trades to Council - discipline, accountability, honesty, transparency, structure and logic to help support and grow the area we call home.
Choose Motivation, Choose Youth, Choose Me.
I am married to Jeweline and happily resided in Thames for 8 yrs.
I have served on and chaired many committies and currently President of Thames RSA. I am a St John volunteer.
My work history is Engineering and IT Consultant.
I'm standing because of my deep committment to serving our community. I believe our voices deserve strong representation.
I value: Responsible growth of housing and business; Well maintained infrastructure and community amenities; Young peoples perspectives to help shape Board decisions; Open and honest communications, no hidden agendas.
I will work hard to get these done right.
How will I deliver: I'll engage with residents, community organisation and business owners to ensure a connected, inclusive approach.
I ask for your vote to bring genuine, relatable leadership to the Thames Community Board - someone who cares deeply, listens fully and delivers for our shared future.
I am seeking re-election.
I have learnt a lot about how Council works over the last three years and there are unfinished initiatives to follow through. I live in Whangamata with my wife Sue.
I am a retired civil engineer and I was the Chief Executive of the New Zealand entity of one of the largest global engineering and environmental consultancies at that time.
I enjoy the natural and built environment that Whangamata has to offer and I want to have a role in ensuring that future generations have the same opportunity.
I can contribute to positive outcomes with my broad engineering and environmental experience combined with leadership and management skills.
I am the President of the Whangamata Bowling Club, a committee member of Whangamata Harbour Care, and I play a little golf.
I am a lawyer, an author, member of the RSA, member of Whangamata Baptist church and am chaplain to the Whangamata Rugby club. I am a current Board Member.
I am an optimist. I am standing again with the expectation we will support candidates for Mayor and Council who will return decision making about important Whangamata matters to the Community Board.
At the moment the Board's main function is simply a Community Grants Committee to distribute $90,000 a year to Whangamata Community Groups. This is not the intention of a Community Board under the Local Government Act.<
Council and the Community Board must listen and act on the concerns of the community. For too long we have simply been treated as a 'cash cow' for Thames.
I support a strong Community Board who will make sensible decisions and oppose outcomes that have no benefit for the people of Whangamata.
Phone: 0210358223 E-mail: neilevansauthor@gmail.com
Whangamatā has been our home for the past eight years. A welcome retreat after years in business.
I've been part of the Whangamatā Arts Collective for seven years, proudly watching it grow. Art connects a community. I'm a trustee of Creative Coromandel, the governing body for art events throughout our region. A rewarding six years on the Whangamatā Swimming Pool Committee allowed me to participate in the significant renovation and upgrade of our community pool. I enjoy supporting the Whangamatā Theatre Society. Their innovative productions clearly uplift people's spirits.
I actively support the Whangamatā Community Marae and Wellbeing Hub initiative. Assisting to operate the Whangamatā Information Centre over the last four years was a real pleasure. Along with welcoming visitors, we had the opportunity to understand the wants and needs of our community. There's always lots of work to do and I'd like to be part of that equation.
Phone: 0274974825
I'm standing for the Community Board because I believe in getting things done.
My positive attitude and strong communication skills, combined with a proven track record of following through on commitments, make me an effective advocate for our community.
My work with Enterprise Whangamata has connected me with hard-working local business owners and dedicated volunteer groups throughout our town.
These relationships have deepened my understanding of what our community needs to thrive.
I want to help shape Whangamata's future - ensuring development is balanced and fair while protecting the special character that makes this place paradise.
I'll bring practical solutions and a collaborative approach to every decision.
Ready to work hard for Whangamata's future.
Call me for a chat on 022 151 0245.
Phone: 0221510245
After three years on the Community Board and nine years as a Councillor for the South East Ward, including Deputy Mayor, I'm standing again to represent the Whangamatā, Onemana, and Ōpoutere communities.
My passion lies in serving the place I live in. I bring experience in process, project, and people management, with a strong focus on core infrastructure, community facilities, and supporting local clubs and initiatives. I understand the legislative changes ahead and how they will shape council priorities.
I've lobbied Council for key projects including the Community pool, Portable water modernisation, Public toilet upgrades, Stormwater improvements, and the Nib-kerb road programme. I've supported Moana House, Harbour and Beach care, and securing land for a future Community Marae/Hub.
I've gained valuable knowledge to continue this work. It's important we don't lose momentum on projects already in the pipeline. I'll bring genuine effort and commitment for the benefit of our community.
I’ve lived and worked in this region for twelve years and care deeply about the people, places, and future of our community. I’m a New Zealand Registered Nurse with a Master’s degree in Adult Education, with over thirty years experience in the Health and Tertiary sectors. My work has centred on creating opportunities for young people and adults from diverse backgrounds. I’m currently a trustee on the Creative Coromandel/He Mana Toi Moehau Trust, where I advocate for the arts as a vital part of community life and identity.
I’m passionate about community development - supporting local initiatives, strengthening wellbeing, and helping ensure everyone has a voice, especially those who may not usually be heard. I believe in working collaboratively to build vibrant, inclusive communities that look to the future while respecting our unique local identity. I bring energy, experience, and belief in the power of people working together.
Pāuanui has always held my heart. From childhood summers at our family bach to making it my home eight years ago. This community has shaped my life, and now I want to give back.
I'm standing for the Tairua-Pāuanui Community Board to help ensure our communities have a strong voice and to champion what we value.
My journalism career began covering council meetings and local issues, sparking a lasting respect for strong local representation. I have 20 years’ experience in media and corporate communications, including time at TCDC.
I’ve helped deliver the Pāuanui Club Summer Festival, co-founded the Pāuanui Half Marathon, and serve on the boards of the Pāuanui Surf Lifesaving Club, Pāuanui Preschool, and Pāuanui Club.
My ties reach Tairua and Hikuai through kids’ sport, recreation and community groups. I believe we’re stronger together and I’m committed to listening and representing all voices as we shape our future.
I am standing for a further term on the Community Board for several reasons. One because throughout out District Community Boards have become frustrated with their 'terms of reference'. I'm sure they, like us, would love to see a return to a time when Boards had a level of self-governance, along with the ability to have real meaning to local representation. This coupled with the fact that without our own local resident councillor advocating on our behalf we will continue to suffer from a lack of direct representation.
Despite rigorous consultation with ratepayers our communities failed to have any local projects included in the Long-Term Plan.
Our projects remain: security cameras in the Town Centre and strategic places around town; finding a permanent home for the Information & Heritage Societies, and a future long-term plan for the creation of a 'Spatial' Plan for the town's upgrade.
E-mail: w.brooks@xtra.co.nz
I’m Mike Bush - an engineer & resident boat builder, Coastguard volunteer, and proud Pauanui local. I’ve called this place home since my school days at Hikuai, and I care deeply about the future of our shared communities - Pauanui, Hikuai and Tairua - the harbour, the beaches, the valley and the people who call this paradise home.
I’m putting my hand up for the Community Board because I think we need someone who listens and isn't afraid to speak up. I’ll work to ensure our rates deliver the quality of services and facilities we expect, Ill talk to our residents to identify and support local projects people actually want, and Ill guard against wasteful spending.
Of particular importance is the Tairua River Trail, keeping our harbour safe and navigable, improving boat parking in Tairua, maintaining Hopper’s vision for Pauanui, and pushing for better council maintenance across the area.
My name is Chris New. With my wife and children, I moved to Tairua in 1981 and have proudly called this community home for over four decades. Together we ran a successful plumbing and drainage business before retiring three years ago.
I've served as a volunteer firefighter for 44 years - including 23 years as Chief Fire Office and have completed three terms on the Tairua-Pauanui Community Board.
I remain deeply committed to our area and its people. My top priorities are keeping rates affordable, ensuring the council operates efficiently, and managing upcoming infrastructure costs wisely.
I ask for your support to continue delivering practical results and strong stewardship for our community.
I retired from teaching in 2016 after a 38 year career, 30 as principal of various schools. My wife and I bought Blue Water Motel in 2016 which we owned and ran successfully until its sale in 2022. Currently I have a small business doing handyman work and a few lawns. I have the knowledge and skills to be an effective member or lead successful organisations and groups.
I have served for the last 3 years on the Community Board and I am looking to serve another term as I would like to be able to be more successful in pursuing improvements for our area.
I believe it is important that all our Coromandel Communities do well and that we do everything we can to provide the best services and facilities that budgets allow. If elected I would aim to represent all of the Tairua-Pauanui area in a positive way.
Phone: 0272276236
Since my childhood I have lived and worked in Mercury Bay, an area I'm proud to call home.
After completing a Bachelor of Education I have worked almost entirely in education. I continue to be an active member of local clubs.
I am a trustee for Te Tiihi Nui trust, an organization that provides opportunities for young adults with disabilities. I am a Justice of the Peace.
If elected my focus will be on achieving outcomes across the entire ward. I intend to create a positive link between community and council, advocating on behalf of and promoting our communities, whilst ensuring that every dollar is valued.
I'm confident of having a strong working relationship with the board elect and look forward to being a part of a proactive council that progresses a wide range of issues.
E-mail: pandkabrahamson@xtra.co.nz
Hello, I'm a long time local of Whitianga, a successful business owner, dad & husband.
The town is expanding, our village is growing & the community spirit is still thriving, now is the time to do my part & add my contribution. Council needs realigning to remember they serve the people & to make fair rules for all.
There is a requirement for common sense and logic to be applied & quality long term vision.
Having lived in Whitianga for nearly 10 years, I was elected to the Mercury Bay Community Board in 2022, on the platform of challenging top-down decisions from Council management.
I am committed to my community and believe in grassroots governance that reflects the will of our residents and ratepayers. Membership of Grey Power, along with serving on the Whitianga Residents' and Ratepayers' Association committee, gives me opportunities to listen to community concerns.
If elected I would seek to progress the use of the 'local discretionary fund', ie grants, for the community.
I support creative, locally led economic development and oppose Council competing with local businesses. For example, the production of its 'Our Coromandel' magazine, which takes advertising dollars away from local publishers.
I personally support adopting the Chief Ombudsman's recommendations to improve transparency and openness in our Council.
I'll continue to be present, listening, and advocating for you.
Phone: 0274384564 E-mail: CaroTCDC@proton.me
I have resided in Whitianga with my whanau in Whitianga for 34 years now, which we consider a priviledge. I own a digital embroidery & clothing repair business that is well supported. In my role as Justice of the Peace & an advocate for Grandparents raising grandchildren, I have come to know & engage with our community at a grassroots level, which I am very passionate about.
I am currently a Mercury Bay Community Board member. As a board we all have different skills & knowledge to contribute.
I see mine as being a voice reflecting the diversity & needs within this unique community. I want to continue offering balanced representation & advocating for often unheard voices.
'He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, He tangata, He tangata'.
E-mail: besshandz@xtra.co.nz
My name is Peter Mackenzie. I am a retired lawyer and my wife and I and our two small dogs left Auckland and retired to Whitianga in 2016.
I enjoy playing bowls, I enjoy fishing, I enjoy walking our two dogs, I enjoy our beaches and I enjoy having a drink and a chat with our friends.
I have been on the Mercury Bay Community Board since the last election and I have learnt a lot as to how the Community Board and the Council functions or at times appears not to function.
I am a firm believer in the power of common sense and I get impatient with unnecessary time and cost spent on protocol and process where a straight forward approach and result is readily apparent.
My husband and I, with our long connection to Ōpito Bay, are proud residents of Kūaotunu with our three children who attend Te Rerenga school. As a passionate advocate for our community and the environment, I'm committed to making a positive difference in our beautiful, diverse neighbourhood.
With a Bachelor of Architecture, experience as a successful business owner and commercial landlord, and five years living on our boat exploring remote South Pacific islands, I will bring a distinctive blend of skills and perspective to local governance.
As a representative for the Mercury Bay Ward, I'll work to ensure community voices are heard and valued. I'm dedicated to common-sense approaches with practical solutions, ensuring resources are used efficiently. I'm particularly concerned about policies prioritising ideology over practicality and believe in sensible, evidence-based decision-making that supports local needs and protects our community's interests.
Let's build a brighter future for Mercury Bay together!
E-mail: jopullinTCDC@gmail.com
As a proud Whitianga resident with 20 years of voluntary service and governance experience, I'm standing for the Mercury Bay Community Board to advocate for real community empowerment and practical leadership.
I've recently served as Chair of the Whitianga Residents & Ratepayers Association and District Chair of the Coromandel Alliance Associations - roles where I pushed for fairer, more transparent local government and stronger grassroots representation.
I will work to empower the Community Board by fostering genuine community dialogue, restoring trust, and cutting through bureaucratic red tape that slows progress. I support fair and sustainable rates, and a renewed focus on Core infrastructure.
Change begins by changing the culture within - replacing backward looking processes with open, community-led leadership. I believe our council coupled with our community board must listen, act, and speak with one voice.
Let's build a Community Board that works for Mercury Bay.
Empowerment. Teamwork. Leadership.
E-mail: kaitiaki2020@gmail.com
I've lived and worked in this community for over 30 years, gaining valuable skills I believe will benefit the Coromandel-Colville Community Board. My background includes being a support worker and social worker for the Coromandel Independent Living Trust, where I helped with elderly housing, emergency accommodation and disability support. Recently I joined the Oranga Tamariki panel, guiding social workers assisting local families at risk.
My deep passion for this safe and unique community has driven my consistent support for Coromandel town and its surrounding areas for three decades.
I'm confident my skills and experience will be a strong asset to the Board and I find great purpose in seeing positive change for whanau and individuals.
Phone: 0278667675 E-mail: jeanashby40@gmail.com
Hi, I'm Susanna, resident of Coromandel Town, organiser of the Saturday market and keen to become a member of our local Community Board.
I see it as greatly important that the voices from within our communities are heard and represented, and that changes are initiated from grassroots level to ensure democracy is being upheld.
I see many areas of improvement needing to be addressed and worked on in our ward; some of the priorities I see as urgent are: A safer community with less crime; Accessible and affordable public transport; A lowering and fairer distribution of our rates.
If I'm elected I will bring with me a great deal of drive and determination to serve the communities here in our Coromandel-Colville ward and will advocate strongly for these changes to happen in order for us all to be able to enjoy our beautiful slice of paradise even more.
My name is Kim Brett, I am married to Kevin, I am a mum and a Nana and have lived in Coromandel for the past 49 years.
I love living in Coromandel. I think its people, environment and its life style are things that need to be cared for. Our future for Coromandel/ Colville and its surrounding village’s, needs carful-controlled development.
Having been brought up in the seafood industry, working in the building industry, catering industry and then running and owning several successful businesses here in town, I feel I have a reasonably good grasp of our special town’s wants and needs.
For the past 12 years it’s been my privilege to represent you and will do my best if elected again.
I want to be there as your voice of the community, to build what we need, manage what we already have, at a price we can afford.
I'm standing for the Coromandel Colville community board because I care deeply about the land we live on and the people who call this place home.
As a resident with a background in organic farming and livestock, I understand the challenges rural families face.
Through hands-on experience working with the land I have developed a deep respect for the environment, strong problem solving skills and a practical approach to getting things done.
I know the value of hardwork, community connection and the importance of supporting local resilience in a changing world.
If elected I will advocate for logical development, local services and a balanced approach that protects both our environment and livelihoods. I believe in grassroots decision making, open communication and ensuring all voices from across our region are heard at the table. Make Coromandel Great Again.
E-mail: jcastle.TCDC@gmail.com
My name is James Davis (Jim) and I am seeking re-election on the Coromandel/Colville Community Board. I was born and educated in Coromandel and, at age 16, I joined the NZ Army as a boy-entrant in the Regular Force Cadets. I served for 33 years including three overseas deployments; Malaya, Vietnam and the Sinai Desert.
Upon retirement in 1993 I returned to Coromandel where I quickly became involved in many community groups, some of which ere: volunteer at the Police Station, remedial reading at the Area School where I also served on the Board of Trustees, the Drama Club, driving for CILT, visiting Phoenix House and old people living alone, and I have served a three year term on the Coromandel/Colville Community Board.
I consider Coromandel my home and I look forward to serving a further 3 year term with the Board. Thank you.
Phone: 0211329127 E-mail: jimdaviscoro@gmail.com
With a life-long connection to Kapanga/Coromandel I feel I can fairly represent and act as an advocate for the interests of our community. I have a strong background in marine science, conservation, research, governance, and communication.
With a focus on environmental projects, and a wide range of knowledge across tourism and business, I believe we can leverage our beautiful location to build the social, economic, and cultural well-being of our community in the present and for the future.
I have a broad reach across various community groups and an ability to effectively listen to community organisations, special interest groups and others in the community who want their voices heard by council.
I have contributed to council meetings and policy consultations for many years and believe that when local councils act with integrity and prioritise community input, they can genuinely improve people's lives.
I live in Colville and run a small tour and e-biking business with my wife, Leanne.
Firstly, thanks to everyone who trusted me with their vote in the last election . It has been a privilege to represent our community, particularly as Chair. I have learnt a lot about how the community board works with Council and staff to benefit our communities.
Together we have supported many community groups, upgraded facilities, and provided submissions on matters affecting our community. It is often difficult as we simply cannot afford to do everything that everyone wants. By maintaining a positive relationship with our communities, Council, and staff, our Community Board will continue delivering positive outcomes within our ward.
I believe that the experience I have received throughout this term will make me an even more effective Board member and again ask for your vote for the Coromandel-Colville Community Board.
I am a long-term Coromandel resident. I am committed to all of our Coromandel-Colville ward.
Raising a young family in Coromandel keeps me connected to our communities, and children's needs.
I cherish our vibrant communities and our unique way of life. I love the land and our surroundings. Our bush walks. Our coastal waters. I enjoy freediving, hiking, and beachcombing. They connect me to my home.
Through my acupuncture practice, I have experience in promoting peoples' health and well-being. Working collaboratively in the rural sector has given me strong listening skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial problem solving abilities. I believe in transparency and will always be open and honest in my actions and decisions.
I am determined, resilient, and persistent. I can actively contribute to strengthening our community spirit, supporting our farmers, and enabling projects that can rejuvenate our local economy, building a thriving Coromandel.
E-mail: alexei.TCDC@proton.me
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The views and opinions expressed are those of the candidates and do not necessarily represent the position of Council.
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Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.