New Plymouth District Council
The New Plymouth 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 14 councillors and the mayor. This election is for the five councillors elected by all voters in the district. The other councillors will be elected to represent wards (areas in the district). 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 New Plymouth District Council election.
New Plymouth District Council candidates
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Sarah Ruth Sutherland
Why I'm standing
I want a thriving district where we all continue to find joy living here. Smart infrastructure investment, the greatest council expense, means that we can afford to invest in the "nice to haves" that make life worth living and that you do not have to be well heeled to enjoy. Clean unpolluted waterways, parks, pools, libraries, arts events. I want a place that we honour Te Tiriti and young people have a future here.
About me
I am an engineer who has worked in infrastructure most of my career and I understand much of the complexities. My only governance experience was being chair of a community childcare centre where we faced severe financial pressure and managed to make it financially sustainable. I consider myself as a progressive and enjoy cycling, skiing, the arts and I did Level 1 Te Reo at WITT but am still very much a beginner.
My priorities
- Bring energy efficiencies to OPEX and infrastructure by electrifying when replacing machines.
- Ensure this is a district that attracts young and talented people who want to stay or return.
- Diversify sources of wealth both long term and short term for a prosperous future.
Get across the policies, candidates and parties
Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.
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