NZ Local Elections 2025

Mayor of Napier

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the city 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 first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Napier City Council mayoral election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Richard McGrath

Richard McGrath

Commonsense change, needs before wants

Kirsten Wise

Kirsten Wise

Independent

Nigel Simpson

Nigel Simpson

Independent

Richard McGrath

Commonsense change, needs before wants

| Onekawa/Tamatea Ward Councillor-Napier

Richard McGrath

Commonsense change, needs before wants

| Onekawa/Tamatea Ward Councillor-Napier

Why I'm standing

I believe the Napier community is looking for a change of direction at council. I have disagreed with or not supported some recent plans as they seem out of touch with current times. I like other residents want to see a back to basics approach and a council reset.

About me

I believe experience matters when it comes to council. I am the current chair of the People and Places committee and hold the City Services portfolio, therefore I have practical knowledge and understanding of our infrastructure needs. I have a background with St John Ambulance and as a nurse and manager at the NZ Blood Service and I take a people-first approach.

My priorities
  1. Ensure basic infrastructure is prioritised ahead of nice to haves using a back to basics approach.
  2. Reprioritise projects and put some projects on hold until they can be afforded.
  3. Ensure emergency management and civil defence setups are appropriately resourced.
Current role

Onekawa/Tamatea Ward Councillor-Napier

Before politics

Nurse - NZ Blood Service

Residence

Onekawa

Age

55

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Why I'm standing

I believe the Napier community is looking for a change of direction at council. I have disagreed with or not supported some recent plans as they seem out of touch with current times. I like other residents want to see a back to basics approach and a council reset.

About me

I believe experience matters when it comes to council. I am the current chair of the People and Places committee and hold the City Services portfolio, therefore I have practical knowledge and understanding of our infrastructure needs. I have a background with St John Ambulance and as a nurse and manager at the NZ Blood Service and I take a people-first approach.

My priorities
  1. Ensure basic infrastructure is prioritised ahead of nice to haves using a back to basics approach.
  2. Reprioritise projects and put some projects on hold until they can be afforded.
  3. Ensure emergency management and civil defence setups are appropriately resourced.
Current role

Onekawa/Tamatea Ward Councillor-Napier

Before politics

Nurse - NZ Blood Service

Residence

Onekawa

Age

55

Connect via

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