NZ Local Elections 2025

Westland District Council

Hokitika Ward
The Westland 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 eight councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). three councillors will be elected from the Hokitika 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 Westland District Council election.

Candidates

Policies

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Flow In

Flow In

Steven Gillett

Steven Gillett

Independent

Joseph Walker

Joseph Walker

Independent

Carol Martin

Carol Martin

Martin Bolland

Martin Bolland

Phil Barker

Phil Barker

Donna Baird

Donna Baird

Joseph Walker

Independent

Joseph Walker

Independent

Why I'm standing

I am standing for council to help restore a culture of service where decisions are made with transparency, integrity and a genuine connection to the people they affect. I am owner of the Hokitika Sandwich Company, an executive member of Destination Hokitika, a father and homeowner, who sees firsthand how rising costs impact families and small businesses. I believe council spending needs to be responsible and focused on what truly matters: supporting growth while keeping communities affordable.

About me

I believe we can protect essential services, invest wisely in our future and avoid placing an unsustainable burden on ratepayers. If elected, I will bring practical problem-solving experience and a strong commitment to representing the people who live and work in the region. I want to protect what makes this place special. I would be honoured to earn your vote.

My priorities
  1. Push for rates to stay low and for the community to see value in what they are paying for.
  2. Push for clearer, more accessible communication with the community around decision making.
  3. Support investment in Hokitika and Westland and roll out the red carpet, not lay down red tape.
Before politics

Entrepreneur

Residence

Kaniere

Age

44

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I am standing for council to help restore a culture of service where decisions are made with transparency, integrity and a genuine connection to the people they affect. I am owner of the Hokitika Sandwich Company, an executive member of Destination Hokitika, a father and homeowner, who sees firsthand how rising costs impact families and small businesses. I believe council spending needs to be responsible and focused on what truly matters: supporting growth while keeping communities affordable.

About me

I believe we can protect essential services, invest wisely in our future and avoid placing an unsustainable burden on ratepayers. If elected, I will bring practical problem-solving experience and a strong commitment to representing the people who live and work in the region. I want to protect what makes this place special. I would be honoured to earn your vote.

My priorities
  1. Push for rates to stay low and for the community to see value in what they are paying for.
  2. Push for clearer, more accessible communication with the community around decision making.
  3. Support investment in Hokitika and Westland and roll out the red carpet, not lay down red tape.
Before politics

Entrepreneur

Residence

Kaniere

Age

44

Connect via

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