NZ Local Elections 2025

Mayor of Rotorua

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 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 Rotorua District Council mayoral election.

Candidates

Policies

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Robert Lee

Robert Lee

Independent

Takeina Fraser

Takeina Fraser

Tania Tapsell

Tania Tapsell

Don Paterson

Don Paterson

Saving Rotorua

Haehaetu Barrett

Haehaetu Barrett

Don Paterson

Saving Rotorua

| Rotorua Lakes Council, Elected Member, General Ward

Don Paterson

Saving Rotorua

| Rotorua Lakes Council, Elected Member, General Ward

Why I'm standing

I have a deep connection to this rohe, which drives my passion for Rotorua. We are rich in natural wonders and unique culture. So, by harnessing our most precious resource, our people, and working together, Rotorua can regain our rightful place as a premier global visitor destination. I commit to reigniting pride in Rotorua, restoring our lakes, reinvigorating development of our CBD and ensuring that council decisions reflect the voices of our people.

About me

Being proudly Rotorua born and raised, from a blended, blue-collar family, I gained a strong work ethic from an early age. Educated locally, I served as president of the student council and went on to build decades of success in events, hospitality and business. My governance experience includes the Friends of the Lake Charitable Trust, Rotorua Promotions Society, the Event Marketing Portfolio Group, and three years at Rotorua Lakes Council, as an elected member.

My priorities
  1. Stop wasteful council spending, keep rates affordable and sustainable for households and businesses.
  2. Begin restoration of our lakes and regain our city's place as a premier global visitor destination.
  3. Reform council leadership by ending co-deputy chairs, with those responsibilities shared equally.
Current role

Rotorua Lakes Council, Elected Member, General Ward

Residence

Springfield, Rotorua

Age

60

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Why I'm standing

I have a deep connection to this rohe, which drives my passion for Rotorua. We are rich in natural wonders and unique culture. So, by harnessing our most precious resource, our people, and working together, Rotorua can regain our rightful place as a premier global visitor destination. I commit to reigniting pride in Rotorua, restoring our lakes, reinvigorating development of our CBD and ensuring that council decisions reflect the voices of our people.

About me

Being proudly Rotorua born and raised, from a blended, blue-collar family, I gained a strong work ethic from an early age. Educated locally, I served as president of the student council and went on to build decades of success in events, hospitality and business. My governance experience includes the Friends of the Lake Charitable Trust, Rotorua Promotions Society, the Event Marketing Portfolio Group, and three years at Rotorua Lakes Council, as an elected member.

My priorities
  1. Stop wasteful council spending, keep rates affordable and sustainable for households and businesses.
  2. Begin restoration of our lakes and regain our city's place as a premier global visitor destination.
  3. Reform council leadership by ending co-deputy chairs, with those responsibilities shared equally.
Current role

Rotorua Lakes Council, Elected Member, General Ward

Residence

Springfield, Rotorua

Age

60

Connect via

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