Far North District Council

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa General Ward
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.

Kelly Anne Stratford

Councillor & Deputy Mayor & Chair Northland Civil Defence

Kelly Anne Stratford

Councillor & Deputy Mayor & Chair Northland Civil Defence

Why I'm standing

I'm standing again because I care deeply about our people and our place. My motivation comes from wanting to make a positive difference for whānau across the Far North — ensuring our voices are heard, our stories respected, and our future protected. I believe local government is at its best when it works alongside the community, and that's the kind of leadership I bring.

About me

I bring experience, honesty and a real commitment to our communities. I've been on council since 2018, and before that spent years in employment and running a small business with my whānau. As a mum, Nani and long-time local, I know the challenges people face here. I value transparency, fairness and working alongside our communities. My mix of governance, work and life experience has shaped me into a leader who listens and gets things done.

My priorities
  1. Take climate action by supporting adaptation and protecting the environment for future generations.
  2. Continue strengthening emergency management by supporting communities to be prepared and safe.
  3. Ensure affordability by balancing rates with services so living here stays within reach.
Current role

Councillor & Deputy Mayor & Chair Northland Civil Defence

Residence

Haruru

Age

48

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I'm standing again because I care deeply about our people and our place. My motivation comes from wanting to make a positive difference for whānau across the Far North — ensuring our voices are heard, our stories respected, and our future protected. I believe local government is at its best when it works alongside the community, and that's the kind of leadership I bring.

About me

I bring experience, honesty and a real commitment to our communities. I've been on council since 2018, and before that spent years in employment and running a small business with my whānau. As a mum, Nani and long-time local, I know the challenges people face here. I value transparency, fairness and working alongside our communities. My mix of governance, work and life experience has shaped me into a leader who listens and gets things done.

My priorities
  1. Take climate action by supporting adaptation and protecting the environment for future generations.
  2. Continue strengthening emergency management by supporting communities to be prepared and safe.
  3. Ensure affordability by balancing rates with services so living here stays within reach.
Current role

Councillor & Deputy Mayor & Chair Northland Civil Defence

Residence

Haruru

Age

48

Connect via