NZ Local Elections 2025

Far North District Council

Te Hiku 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). two councillors will be elected from the Te Hiku 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.

Candidates

Policies

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John Joseph Matthews

John Joseph Matthews

Independent

Garreth Wayne Oien

Garreth Wayne Oien

Monty Knight

Monty Knight

Rachel Baucke

Rachel Baucke

Felicity Foy

Felicity Foy

Independent

Bill Subritzky

Bill Subritzky

Independent

Eddie Bellas

Eddie Bellas

Mark Shanks

Mark Shanks

Independent

Adele Gardner

Adele Gardner

Rachel Baucke

Te Hiku Community Board Member

Rachel Baucke

Te Hiku Community Board Member

Why I'm standing

The biggest challenge we face is balancing the rising cost of living with the need to improve essential services. Families are under pressure, and they need a council that listens, acts responsibly and puts people first. Right now, the rise in rates is not equating to better core services. Only 39% of our population are ratepayers, yet they're carrying the cost for everyone. Ratepayers are paying the bills but not getting value for money.

About me

I've lived here most of my life, raised my two kids here, and I'm a small business owner. I'm also a registered financial advisor, and I'm hugely involved in our community through local trusts, youth programs and junior rugby. Over the past three years, I've served on the Te Hiku Community Board, which has given me a strong understanding of council processes and the needs of our people.

My priorities
  1. Focus on smart spending, keeping rates affordable and cutting wasteful spending.
  2. Ensure our core services roads, water and waste are delivered well.
  3. Support local families, youth, farming and businesses to thrive.
Current role

Te Hiku Community Board Member

Residence

Kaitaia

Age

51

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Why I'm standing

The biggest challenge we face is balancing the rising cost of living with the need to improve essential services. Families are under pressure, and they need a council that listens, acts responsibly and puts people first. Right now, the rise in rates is not equating to better core services. Only 39% of our population are ratepayers, yet they're carrying the cost for everyone. Ratepayers are paying the bills but not getting value for money.

About me

I've lived here most of my life, raised my two kids here, and I'm a small business owner. I'm also a registered financial advisor, and I'm hugely involved in our community through local trusts, youth programs and junior rugby. Over the past three years, I've served on the Te Hiku Community Board, which has given me a strong understanding of council processes and the needs of our people.

My priorities
  1. Focus on smart spending, keeping rates affordable and cutting wasteful spending.
  2. Ensure our core services roads, water and waste are delivered well.
  3. Support local families, youth, farming and businesses to thrive.
Current role

Te Hiku Community Board Member

Residence

Kaitaia

Age

51

Connect via

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