NZ Local Elections 2025

Mayor of Gisborne

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. 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 Gisborne District Council mayoral election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Colin Alder

Colin Alder

Rehette Stoltz

Rehette Stoltz

Jono Samson

Jono Samson

Colin Alder

Councilor

Colin Alder

Councilor

Why I'm standing

I'm running for Mayor to offer a fresh direction, not as a career politician. I stand for transparency, efficiencies, careful spending, and a culture of service by the council, leading to prosperity for all. I question and unashamedly lean on the fence between governance and operations. I'm frustrated by the lack of transparency, difficulty in accessing information, rising debt levels, increasing staff numbers and increasing rates placing an unsustainable burden on ratepayers.

About me

A retired Manutuke farmer with most of my family living in Tairāwhiti. I'm committed to keeping our region Tairāwhiti vibrant and affordable for all. Formally G.B.H.S, Massey degree, teaching, farming organically, school BOT, volunteer fire brigade, grower rep packhouse chairman. Last term I never missed a meeting and attended all other committees. I understand council. I will bring strong assertive leadership to our council, encouraging business development, better consultation and the democratic process.

My priorities
  1. Prioritise infrastructure resilience, especially water pipeline and roading that are still vulnerable.
  2. Work with forestry to solve ageing trees problem, which if left unharvested will be disastrous.
  3. Facilitate a culture of service and transparency in all council processes to improve welfare.
Current role

Councilor

Residence

Makorori /Manutuke

Age

68

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I'm running for Mayor to offer a fresh direction, not as a career politician. I stand for transparency, efficiencies, careful spending, and a culture of service by the council, leading to prosperity for all. I question and unashamedly lean on the fence between governance and operations. I'm frustrated by the lack of transparency, difficulty in accessing information, rising debt levels, increasing staff numbers and increasing rates placing an unsustainable burden on ratepayers.

About me

A retired Manutuke farmer with most of my family living in Tairāwhiti. I'm committed to keeping our region Tairāwhiti vibrant and affordable for all. Formally G.B.H.S, Massey degree, teaching, farming organically, school BOT, volunteer fire brigade, grower rep packhouse chairman. Last term I never missed a meeting and attended all other committees. I understand council. I will bring strong assertive leadership to our council, encouraging business development, better consultation and the democratic process.

My priorities
  1. Prioritise infrastructure resilience, especially water pipeline and roading that are still vulnerable.
  2. Work with forestry to solve ageing trees problem, which if left unharvested will be disastrous.
  3. Facilitate a culture of service and transparency in all council processes to improve welfare.
Current role

Councilor

Residence

Makorori /Manutuke

Age

68

Connect via

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