Gisborne District Council
The Gisborne District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also passes local regulations and makes decisions about infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage, and about the region’s resources, including water, soil and the coastline. The council is made up of 13 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). five councillors will be elected from the Tairāwhiti 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 Gisborne District Council election.
Gisborne District Council candidates
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Mateawa Keelan
Why I'm standing
My platform is future focused whānau and community and I'm running for council to champion fair rates, climate resilience and whānau-led decision-making. Our communities deserve planning that honours whenua Māori and governance grounded in Te Tiriti. I'm a farmer, landowner and advocate, ready to amplify grassroots voices, unlock funding and build systems that serve us all. This is about equity, integrity and intergenerational wellbeing. It's time for leadership that listens and leads with purpose.
About me
I bring lived experience, strategic insight and deep cultural integrity to every decision. As a whenua Māori landowner, beef farmer and governance leader I bridge grassroots realities with policy action. My mahi spans climate resilience, rating equity and whānau-led development grounded in Te Tiriti and community voice. With proven skills in business, advocacy and inclusive planning, I'm ready to serve with humility, purpose and vision. I'll lead not for power, but for collective wellbeing.
My priorities
- Fair rates and land use that reflect whānau realities, whenua productivity and climate risk.
- Whānau-led, Tiriti-based governance that empowers local voice in council decisions.
- Climate resilience through co-designed land use, catchment planning and infrastructure equity.
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