NZ Local Elections 2025

Waikato Regional Council

Waikato General Constituency
The Waikato Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 14 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). two councillors will be elected from the Waikato constituency. 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 Waikato Regional Council election.

Candidates

Policies

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Gary McGuire

Gary McGuire

Rhys Craig

Rhys Craig

Noel Smith

Noel Smith

Pamela Storey

Pamela Storey

Noel Smith

Councillor, Waikato Constituency

Noel Smith

Councillor, Waikato Constituency

Why I'm standing

I believed the Waikato Regional Council was not listening to ratepayers and it was an unresponsive beast. I, with other councillors, have begun to effect change and ask you to support me to continue that change. The current restructure of the rivers and catchment directorate came about from pressure from new councillors.

About me

I have fifteen years' experience as a Waikato District Councillor holding senior positions. I was elected to the regional council in 2022. My eighteen years' experience has been invaluable in being able to challenge staff when they have advocated imposing policy on Waikato District, eg the first regional bus rates were totally unreasonable and I alerted the community to the issue. Thankfully, when reconsidered, we now charge $400,000 less than what the Waikato District Council charged for the district.

My priorities
  1. Make rates affordability the number one priority.
  2. Review the structure of council to ensure staffing levels are appropriate.
  3. Manage the new legislation that government is creating and work with the CEO on priorities.
Current role

Councillor, Waikato Constituency

Before politics

Beef Farmer

Residence

Te Kowhai

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I believed the Waikato Regional Council was not listening to ratepayers and it was an unresponsive beast. I, with other councillors, have begun to effect change and ask you to support me to continue that change. The current restructure of the rivers and catchment directorate came about from pressure from new councillors.

About me

I have fifteen years' experience as a Waikato District Councillor holding senior positions. I was elected to the regional council in 2022. My eighteen years' experience has been invaluable in being able to challenge staff when they have advocated imposing policy on Waikato District, eg the first regional bus rates were totally unreasonable and I alerted the community to the issue. Thankfully, when reconsidered, we now charge $400,000 less than what the Waikato District Council charged for the district.

My priorities
  1. Make rates affordability the number one priority.
  2. Review the structure of council to ensure staffing levels are appropriate.
  3. Manage the new legislation that government is creating and work with the CEO on priorities.
Current role

Councillor, Waikato Constituency

Before politics

Beef Farmer

Residence

Te Kowhai

Connect via

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