NZ Local Elections 2025

Whakatāne District Council

Whakatāne-Ōhope General Ward
The Whakatāne 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 ten councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). four councillors will be elected from the Whakatāne-Ōhope 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 Whakatāne District Council election.

Candidates

Policies

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Brendan Horan

Brendan Horan

Independent

Dave Stewart

Dave Stewart

Julie Claire Jukes

Julie Claire Jukes

Malcolm Whitaker

Malcolm Whitaker

Carolyn Louise Hamill

Carolyn Louise Hamill

Chris Barnard

Chris Barnard

Independent

Lesley Immink

Lesley Immink

Carolyn Louise Hamill

Whakatane-Ohope Community Board Member

Carolyn Louise Hamill

Whakatane-Ohope Community Board Member

Why I'm standing

I want to see Whakatāne become an even better place to raise a family, work and visit. I believe running for council gives me an opportunity to serve my community by making sensible, robust decisions for the district's future.

About me

I bring a practical, positive, common-sense approach to the role of councillor. I have nine years on the Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board, with three as chair, which has given me solid understanding of local government and an appreciation for good process in community engagement and co-design. I have roles on the National Community Board Executive Committee and as a resource consent hearings commissioner, which have helped develop balanced decision-making and a big picture view.

My priorities
  1. Balance rates affordability and debt reduction while building an efficient, responsive council.
  2. Continue to ensure Whakatāne is a great district to live, work and visit.
  3. Preserve the beautiful natural environment, enabling sustainable tourism and climate resilience.
Current role

Whakatane-Ohope Community Board Member

Before politics

Veterinarian

Residence

Whakatane

Age

51

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I want to see Whakatāne become an even better place to raise a family, work and visit. I believe running for council gives me an opportunity to serve my community by making sensible, robust decisions for the district's future.

About me

I bring a practical, positive, common-sense approach to the role of councillor. I have nine years on the Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board, with three as chair, which has given me solid understanding of local government and an appreciation for good process in community engagement and co-design. I have roles on the National Community Board Executive Committee and as a resource consent hearings commissioner, which have helped develop balanced decision-making and a big picture view.

My priorities
  1. Balance rates affordability and debt reduction while building an efficient, responsive council.
  2. Continue to ensure Whakatāne is a great district to live, work and visit.
  3. Preserve the beautiful natural environment, enabling sustainable tourism and climate resilience.
Current role

Whakatane-Ohope Community Board Member

Before politics

Veterinarian

Residence

Whakatane

Age

51

Connect via

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