NZ Local Elections 2025

Ōpōtiki District Council

Rural General Ward
The Ōpōtiki 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 six councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). two councillors will be elected from the Rural ward. 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 Ōpōtiki District Council election.

Candidates

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Steven Gordon Nelson

Steven Gordon Nelson

Caitlin Papuni-McLellan

Caitlin Papuni-McLellan

Dean Petersen

Dean Petersen

Jodi Porter

Jodi Porter

Chris Hopman

Chris Hopman

Caitlin Papuni-McLellan

Caitlin Papuni-McLellan

Why I'm standing

I'm running for Ōpōtiki District Council because I care deeply about our community and want to see real, practical change. As a young woman, a mother, a connected community member, I understand the needs, challenges and potential of our community. I bring fresh energy, lived experience, and a strong commitment to fairness, transparency, and action. I want to help build a future where everyone in our district has the chance to thrive.

About me

I will be a strong elected representative because I care enough to listen, I am practical and considered with decision making, I lead with purpose. I'm committed to making council more responsive, transparent, and accountable to everyday people. My experience working across sectors and within our community has taught me how to collaborate, problem-solve, analyse and advocate effectively. I'm driven by a genuine desire to serve and help build a better future for all.

My priorities
  1. Focus on financial responsibility by ensuring council spending is responsible and focused on delivering value.
  2. Support local, committing to seeing our town, businesses and economy thriving.
  3. Advocate for stronger engagement and accessibility through transparent governance and community connection.
Residence

Omarumutu

Age

27

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I'm running for Ōpōtiki District Council because I care deeply about our community and want to see real, practical change. As a young woman, a mother, a connected community member, I understand the needs, challenges and potential of our community. I bring fresh energy, lived experience, and a strong commitment to fairness, transparency, and action. I want to help build a future where everyone in our district has the chance to thrive.

About me

I will be a strong elected representative because I care enough to listen, I am practical and considered with decision making, I lead with purpose. I'm committed to making council more responsive, transparent, and accountable to everyday people. My experience working across sectors and within our community has taught me how to collaborate, problem-solve, analyse and advocate effectively. I'm driven by a genuine desire to serve and help build a better future for all.

My priorities
  1. Focus on financial responsibility by ensuring council spending is responsible and focused on delivering value.
  2. Support local, committing to seeing our town, businesses and economy thriving.
  3. Advocate for stronger engagement and accessibility through transparent governance and community connection.
Residence

Omarumutu

Age

27

Connect via

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