NZ Local Elections 2025

Mayor of New Plymouth

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 New Plymouth District Council mayoral election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Graham Chard

Graham Chard

David Bublitz

David Bublitz

Independent

Greg Mackay

Greg Mackay

Bill Simpson

Bill Simpson

Peter Marra

Peter Marra

Sarah Lucas

Sarah Lucas

John Woodward

John Woodward

Independent

Sam Bennett

Sam Bennett

Independent

Max Brough

Max Brough

Independent

Sarah Lucas

Chair of Community Board Exec LGNZ, and Comm Board Member

Sarah Lucas

Chair of Community Board Exec LGNZ, and Comm Board Member

Why I'm standing

Local government is about people and place. My vision is a 'place to belong, be heard and thrive.' I want to bring heart, integrity and action to the New Plymouth Council chamber because that is what our community needs – not political power games or personal agendas. Collaboration, communication and co-operation are key to making sure the voices of those who live, work and play in our district – your voices – are heard.

About me

As a mother to three teenage boys, a small business owner and community advocate I understand the pressures families are under every day to pay the bills, put food on the table and live good, honest lives. I know what effective, grassroots leadership looks like. Voted onto the community board in 2022, I worked to ensure all the voices of those who live in Te Kōhanga Moa Ward are heard, not just a favoured few.

My priorities
  1. Focus on smart spending, realistic rate rises, infrastructure and people centred decision making.
  2. Promote equity and representation through Māori wards, opening up council and giving voice to the voiceless.
  3. Face the future by focusing on climate, environment and people.
Current role

Chair of Community Board Exec LGNZ, and Comm Board Member

Residence

New Plymouth District

Age

49

Connect via
Why I'm standing

Local government is about people and place. My vision is a 'place to belong, be heard and thrive.' I want to bring heart, integrity and action to the New Plymouth Council chamber because that is what our community needs – not political power games or personal agendas. Collaboration, communication and co-operation are key to making sure the voices of those who live, work and play in our district – your voices – are heard.

About me

As a mother to three teenage boys, a small business owner and community advocate I understand the pressures families are under every day to pay the bills, put food on the table and live good, honest lives. I know what effective, grassroots leadership looks like. Voted onto the community board in 2022, I worked to ensure all the voices of those who live in Te Kōhanga Moa Ward are heard, not just a favoured few.

My priorities
  1. Focus on smart spending, realistic rate rises, infrastructure and people centred decision making.
  2. Promote equity and representation through Māori wards, opening up council and giving voice to the voiceless.
  3. Face the future by focusing on climate, environment and people.
Current role

Chair of Community Board Exec LGNZ, and Comm Board Member

Residence

New Plymouth District

Age

49

Connect via

Mayor

Compare the mayoral candidates in your area

Explore

Local council

Compare the candidates for your city or district council

Explore

Regional council

Compare the candidates for your regional council

Explore

Local board

Compare the candidates for your local or community board

Explore