Candidates for the 2025 Rangitīkei District Local Elections confirmed

Rangitīkei District Council’s Deputy Electoral Officer, Katrina Gray, says that a last-minute flurry of nominations has led to a positive result for Rangitīkei with six confirmed election contests.

“This is an increase of two from the 2022 elections, where we only had contests for the Mayoralty, two wards and a community board. We have also increased the number of candidates standing from 29 in 2022 to 32 which is encouraging,” says Katrina.

In the Mayoral race there are four candidates; David Christison, John Hainsworth, Simon Loudon, and incumbent Andy Watson.

The Northern Ward received three candidates for two vacancies; Diana Baird, Peter Kipling-Arthur and Jeff Wong.

The Central Ward is being contested by eight candidates for five vacancies; Justin Adams, Alan Buckendahl, David Christison, Fi Dalgety, Sandra Field, John Hainsworth, Bryan Hastings and Dave Wilson.

There are four candidates for the two vacancies in the Southern Ward; Graham Jenkins, Graeme O’Fee, Bryan Rowe and Paul Sharland.

There are two candidates for the Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) Ward vacancy; Coral Raukawa and David Yates.

Tracey Piki Te Ora Hiroa will be elected unopposed in the Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) Ward as they were the only candidate to stand for this vacancy.

An election is confirmed for the Taihape Community Board, having received six nominations for four vacancies available; Caryse Clark, Gill Duncan, De-Anna Green, Fiona Kahukura Hadley-Chase, Peter Kipling-Arthur and Melanie Pera.

The four candidates for the Rātana Community Board will be elected unopposed: Jason Hihira, Ruth-Amiria Lawrence, Charlie Mete, and Grace Joan Taiaroa .

Rangitīkei District Council Chief Executive Carol Gordon has welcomed the strong response to this year’s local elections, noting the impressive number of candidates stepping forward. She says this reflects a healthy and engaged democracy, where bold and diverse ideas are encouraged.

“Local government is going through a period of significant change and putting your hand up for election is no small undertaking. It is encouraging to see individuals who are clearly passionate about their communities, willing to lead, and prepared to meet the challenges ahead. A vibrant and diverse contest of ideas is not only healthy, it's essential. It's how we continue to grow and strengthen communities” says Carol.

Profiles for all our candidates will be available on our website once all their profile statements have been through a review to ensure that they adhere to election rules.