Far North District Council
The Far North 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 ten councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). three councillors will be elected from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa ward. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Far North District Council election.
Far North District Council candidates
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Davina Smolders
Why I'm standing
I believe our ratepayers have been let down with higher rates, more bureaucracy and wasteful projects, while core services are neglected. If you want to see common sense restored and wasteful spending stopped, please give me your first choice vote.
About me
I bring over 20 years of senior governance and executive leadership experience, including in procurement, contracting, and community development. I'm known for being calm under pressure, solution-focused, and unafraid to ask hard questions. I've lived and worked across the Far North, raised my family here, and built strong connections with a wide range of communities. I believe in fairness, accountability, and the importance of strong local leadership that puts people first.
My priorities
- Cut waste and keep rates low by focusing council on essentials only.
- Fix basics including roads, drains and water infrastructure that locals depend on.
- Cut red tape so homes and businesses can grow affordably.
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