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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Lesley Immink

Lesley Immink

Julie Claire Jukes

Julie Claire Jukes

Chris Barnard

Chris Barnard

Independent

Dave Stewart

Dave Stewart

Malcolm Whitaker

Malcolm Whitaker

Brendan Horan

Brendan Horan

Independent

Carolyn Louise Hamill

Carolyn Louise Hamill

Julie Claire Jukes

Whakatāne-Ōhope Ward Councillor

Julie Claire Jukes

Whakatāne-Ōhope Ward Councillor

Why I'm standing

I'm committed to council's vision. I want to see our communities flourish, fulfil their potential and live life to its fullest. I want our district to be a great place to live, work, play, raise a family and do business. I have 12 years experience already on council and I want to continue to work towards achieving our vision and the best outcomes for our community.

About me

I will bring experience and existing knowledge as four term councillor and business owner with skin in the game. I know costs are rising and we need to cut council spending. As a Chartered Accountant I bring financial know-how. I'm a team player. You are only one voice around the council table so you need to be able to work as a team to be effective. I'm a practical person who offers practical ideas.

My priorities
  1. Control council spending with strong financial oversight and innovative ideas.
  2. Determine the effect climate change has on infrastructure and make good environmental decisions.
  3. Ensure decisions benefit future generations through intergenerational equity.
Current role

Whakatāne-Ōhope Ward Councillor

Residence

Whakatane

Age

56

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Why I'm standing

I'm committed to council's vision. I want to see our communities flourish, fulfil their potential and live life to its fullest. I want our district to be a great place to live, work, play, raise a family and do business. I have 12 years experience already on council and I want to continue to work towards achieving our vision and the best outcomes for our community.

About me

I will bring experience and existing knowledge as four term councillor and business owner with skin in the game. I know costs are rising and we need to cut council spending. As a Chartered Accountant I bring financial know-how. I'm a team player. You are only one voice around the council table so you need to be able to work as a team to be effective. I'm a practical person who offers practical ideas.

My priorities
  1. Control council spending with strong financial oversight and innovative ideas.
  2. Determine the effect climate change has on infrastructure and make good environmental decisions.
  3. Ensure decisions benefit future generations through intergenerational equity.
Current role

Whakatāne-Ōhope Ward Councillor

Residence

Whakatane

Age

56

Connect via

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