Rotorua District Council

Rotorua Rural General Ward
The Rotorua District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 10 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). One councillor will be elected from the Rotorua Rural General ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Rotorua District Council election.

Explore the candidates in your area

Karen Barker

Community Focused Leadership

Karen Barker

Community Focused Leadership

Why I'm standing

I have lived in the Rotorua District for over 30 years, own a business and land here, and now have family running our business. We are highly committed to this district, love rural communities, and I want to see our town thrive. I have been concerned by recent decision making, and I want to present voters with a new rural voice and a fresh, practical, fiscally conservative perspective around the council table.

About me

As a resident, parent, business owner, volunteer and board member, I am passionate about active community engagement, vibrant rural communities, and a thriving local economy. I would bring common sense, compassion and transparency to community leadership. My background as a pharmacist gives me an insight into the health and well-being of our community. I have energy, business acumen, and I will listen and act for our rural communities while serving the wider community.

My priorities
  1. People at the heart of decision making – ensuring community safety and genuine consultation.
  2. Fiscally conservative approach to spending – live within our means and stop unnecessary borrowing.
  3. Democracy and transparency – public meetings wherever possible, democratic processes for decisions.
Before politics

Business Person, Board Chair

Residence

Reporoa

Age

57

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I have lived in the Rotorua District for over 30 years, own a business and land here, and now have family running our business. We are highly committed to this district, love rural communities, and I want to see our town thrive. I have been concerned by recent decision making, and I want to present voters with a new rural voice and a fresh, practical, fiscally conservative perspective around the council table.

About me

As a resident, parent, business owner, volunteer and board member, I am passionate about active community engagement, vibrant rural communities, and a thriving local economy. I would bring common sense, compassion and transparency to community leadership. My background as a pharmacist gives me an insight into the health and well-being of our community. I have energy, business acumen, and I will listen and act for our rural communities while serving the wider community.

My priorities
  1. People at the heart of decision making – ensuring community safety and genuine consultation.
  2. Fiscally conservative approach to spending – live within our means and stop unnecessary borrowing.
  3. Democracy and transparency – public meetings wherever possible, democratic processes for decisions.
Before politics

Business Person, Board Chair

Residence

Reporoa

Age

57

Connect via