Who’s Standing for Council?

ADAMS, Toby

I'm Toby Adams and I'm seeking re-election as Mayor of Hauraki District Council. It's been an honour to serve our communities, and I'm proud of the progress we've made - revitalised town centres, major infrastructure upgrades, and better services that reflect what matters to our people.

I've always backed our district and focused on making council decisions that deliver real value, especially during tough economic times. I'm committed to being accessible and always available to listening to make sure all voices across the district are heard and respected.

Looking ahead, my focus is on navigating the changes and reforms coming from central government, making sure Hauraki's voice is strong and that local solutions are led by local people. I'm standing again because I believe in the potential of this district and the power of working together to get things done.

BURTON, Levi

Kia ora! I'm Levi Phoenix.

I believe in putting people first and building a future we can all be proud of.

I want to lower rates by making council more efficient, support local businesses with better access to funding, and bring our road workers back in-house. I’ll support clean water, safe roads, and core services done right.

I’m passionate about creating real community connection, from building a year-round pool and community gardens, to tackling homelessness and supporting our youth with engaging activities. We’ll have free hangi Sundays, improved dog parks, and cleaner, greener streets.

Together, we can build a council that listens, acts with honesty, and truly represents you. I’m here to serve, to innovate, and to make Hauraki thrive.

Let’s make it happen with love, action and unity!

Lets Go!!!

JACKSON, Roman

I am a 34 year old Army Veteran standing for Mayor of both Hauraki and Matamata-Piako. It is my intention if successful in both campaigns to work toward amalgamation of both districts to become a larger district with stronger financial autonomy and political standing with the new name potentialy being Upoko Matangi District. Roughly translated as head of the wind or top of the wind. Being a veteran most recently on the frontline of Ukraine I have lead 48 combat missions in special operations of which 26 of those missions I was squad commander. I will treat my community as a operational team and be your uncompromising voice to the government. I will fight to localize GST to replace rates and locally tackle crime with a community first elected Sheriff deputy department of frontline crime responders funded from my own mayors salary - I am your best warrior.

AITKEN, Grant Michael

I have proudly called Paeroa home since 1994, alongside my wife, Ruth, and our two sons. My journey in educational leadership began here, where I served as both Deputy Principal and Principal of Paeroa College. My experience includes international teaching in Singapore, after which I returned to New Zealand to continue teaching.

Living in this vibrant community has been a privilege, allowing me to witness my sons and mokopuna grow and thrive.

As a councillor, I would bring a range of valuable skills to this role, including strategic thinking and being future focused. My focus will be on working with others to ensure Council is run effectively and efficiently, putting people first.

I believe my experiences position me well to contribute positively to Paeroa's growth and development, and I am eager to participate in the decision-making processes that will shape our future.

MAGNUS, Michelle Elizabeth [ACT Local]

Time and again, ratepayers have been let down by Hauraki District Council thanks to outrageous rates hikes, more wasteful spending, and poorer public services. It is time to give Council a wake-up call and focus on the things that matter to Paeroa locals.

My background as a global executive in finance, operations, entrepreneurship and co-founder of Eventfinda, New Zealand’s largest online event platform, means I know how to bring financial discipline back to the Council, and have the real-world practical experience to get things done.

By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know what you are going to get: I will keep rates low, deliver the essential infrastructure, cut out the wasteful spending on needless vanity projects, and guarantee more accountability and transparency over how decisions are made.

If you want to see common sense back on the council table, please give me one of your votes.

MILNER, Paul Armstrong

I have been a Paeroa Ward councillor for the past 21 years. I believe I have made a valuable contribution to council through my role as Deputy Mayor the last six years as well as being an active member of many committees and as Chairperson.

Recent years have been extremely challenging for our communities as we continue to adapt to new government regulations and infrastructure needs. These challenges need a blend of experience and new faces to ensure we have appropriate levels of service now and into the future at a reasonable cost.

I am married to Hannah; we have two daughters, Amelia, six and Chloe, three. We work in our family business, Caltex Paeroa, which allows me time away to attend the busy council schedule. I look forward to working hard for the district if re-elected.

TILSLEY, Jo

Paeroa is home.

I've raised my family here and have been supported, encouraged and shown kindness in ways I could never have imagined. And now it's time for me to give back to my community.

I believe in servant leadership, equity and equality. Everyone's voice and opinion deserves to be heard and represented. We need to ensure that decision making is approached with an open mind, accountability, common sense and compassion. The wellbeing and future of our community and district is paramount and needs to be at the forefront of everything. Making astute financial decisions while balancing wellbeing is essential.

I will be open, honest and transparent.

I look forward to representing you for a third term as a Paeroa Ward Councillor. Vote Jo Tilsley.

WILKINSON, Rino Lee

Kia ora, my name is Rino Wilkinson, 2nd term councillor in Paeroa.

Paeroa is home to my family, my daughters and two grandchildren.

As a first-time elected Māori for the Hauraki District Council, I am hoping to be successful for another term to represent the community of Paeroa and the wider Hauraki.

I am a veteran radio broadcaster on Nga Iwi FM based in Paeroa; we broadcast around the Hauraki. You can hear me live on-air and online weekday mornings.

A friend and I were recognized at the Speedway NZ Awards, winning the Best Online and Best Media Show - we raised funds for children that suffer with cancer, heart issues and recently cystic fibrosis.

My aim if successfully re-elected is to complete some of the projects with the working parties as part of our Long-Term Plans.

Engaging with voters is key and the way to strengthen relationships and future.

BATES, Cynthia

With a Bachelor of Commerce and extensive governance experience, I bring strong financial expertise and a deep commitment to community service.

Now semi-retired, I work part-time as an accounting officer for the Staples Education Foundation and seasonally as a pool lifeguard for Hauraki District Council.

As a lifetime community volunteer, across a diverse range of groups, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with and understanding the many voices within our community. My current governance roles include Tūrua School Board of Trustees, finance lead; Hauraki Plains Adaptation Planning Community Panel, community representative; Tūrua Hall, Domain and Community Inc, minute secretary; and Thames Valley Croquet Association, treasurer.

I also volunteer as the Tūrua School librarian and the Tūrua Hall manager. I’m committed to fostering community growth and sustainability, ensuring the voices of all our Plains residents are heard and represented effectively.

BROAD, Ray

I'm proud to stand for re-election to the Hauraki District Council, representing the Plains Ward. I bring experience, continuity, and strong voice for our communities.

Living locally in Ngātea with my family, I understand the everyday issues that matter - because I live them too. From the cost of rates and council services to infrastructure improvements, supporting local businesses, and community wellbeing, I focus on what matters to you.

With clear communication and practical knowledge, I support ways to improve council efficiency, deliver infrastructure upgrades, and reduce debt while continuing to meet the needs of Hauraki.

I'll keep working hard to ensure your concerns are heard and acted on. I'm committed to protecting and strengthening what makes the Plains Ward a great place to live, work and raise a family.

CROOYMANS, Stephen

Three years ago, you put your trust in me and elected me as one of your councillors.

I have tried hard to show why you made a good decision. I attend every Council meeting. I answered most, if not every phone call and have learned to email, so I can answer them too! I have met new people, listened to them, and have remembered that there are always two sides to every story. I help where I can and when I cannot help, I've explained where help can be found.

I have a good rapport with the other councillors, and I believe I have not been afraid of making tough decisions.

I really enjoy being your councillor, apart from having to wear a suit.

I now have three years’ experience, and I am asking you to again put your trust in me to continue doing necessary work serving your community.

GRAY, Neil

I'm a long term resident of the Hauraki Plains. My family have been inter-generational farmers, having lived in Tūrua for over 100 years. I'm married to Glenda and have three adult daughters. My passion for this district is second to none, as it has served my family well, and I am invested in seeing our district prosper in the future. I believe that our communities need to be vibrant, attractive and safe for people to want to live, work and be a part of the district.

I have a very pragmatic and common sense approach to add to constructive discussion around the council table. I'll stand up for what I believe to be right and the best outcomes for our district as a whole.

Our council has made some very important decisions and considerations for our communities, and I am dedicated to making sure this momentum continues in the future.

PICKFORD, Andrew [ACT Local]

Ratepayers continue to be let down by Hauraki District Council with outrageous rates hikes, more red tape on businesses, and wasteful spending decisions. It’s time to give Council a wake-up call and focus on what matters in Hauraki.

As a local business owner who spends most of my week farming in the Plains Ward, I’ve dealt firsthand with the challenges facing our community. My background in agriculture, management and aviation means I know how to plan strategically, allocate resources efficiently, and solve problems where failure isn’t an option.

By voting for me as an ACT Local Candidate you know what you’re going to get: I will keep rates down, focus on delivering the essential services, stop the wasteful spending, and restore accountability and transparency over how council decisions are made.

If you want to see common sense back on the council table, please give me one of your votes.

BURTON, Levi

Kia ora, I'm Levi Phoenix and I'm standing for Hauraki District Council because I believe in a future where our community thrives. I'm here to listen.

My top priorities are to reduce rates and water charges, remove the bintag system, and take care of the basics - like fixing potholes, maintaining footpaths, and getting our drains working properly again to prevent flooding. At the same time, I want to boost our local economy by supporting events and festivals, and by promoting our region to visitors from other districts and overseas.

I believe in practical solutions that improve our quality of life and put more money back into the pockets of everyday people. Let's make Hauraki stronger, together.

Vote Levi Phoenix - here to listen, ready to serve.

HOWELL, Sara

I’m a long term Waihī resident with previous experience as a councillor (2019-2022) who is passionate about our town and I seek election to promote first our towns future and I seek promote first and foremost matters which concern my fellow residents.

I fully understand how the governing Councils systems and procedures operate which will allow me to be proactive without being delivered from my goals which will be what our residents require. In simple terms my 100% belief is that WAIHĪ MATTERS.

Currently I volunteer as the Hauraki representative for Age Concern. For the past 28 years I have been actively behind Waihi Community Patrols. This is also a volunteer activity matters which I need, feel redressing continously come under the Heading of infustructure (Water, sewers and roads) etc. I assure residents that if they have a problem affected by Council decisions I am approachable.

Remember: WAIHĪ MATTERS.

JACKSON, Roman

Roman Jackson Age 34 Army Veteran and Private Investigator.

(Background Includes) Underground Mining Australia and Dairy Farming

As your candidate, the strength I offer you is leadership tested and trialed in war. Having served in 4 different militaries, including intelligence and special operations forces, I believe I have a transferable mindset for problem solving. I am a solutionist. The biggest thing I can bring to the community is my knowledge of operational security. I am also a self employed private Investigator and cyber security specialist. My intentions will be to expand CCTV intelligence and surveillance operations with local police through gaining resource consent. I will be making a personal mission to investigate council spending including the true reasons behind the large salary increases. I’m not campaigning to make friends or sniff seats.

RATTRAY, Austin

I have had the honour of representing our Ward at the Hauraki District Council and being the Chairperson of the Waihi Museum. These roles together with a keen interest in Waihi’s history provides a unique insight into the past, present and future of our district. Waihi, Whiritoa and Waikino are truly beautiful areas that we are lucky to call our home. We need to continue to invest in our infrastructure, community facilities and most importantly, our people. We need to make prudent financial decisions that keep rates as realistic as possible whilst providing the necessary infrastructure for our future. What will our area look like in 10, 50 or a 100 years from now? That’s up to us as a community. Lets make good decisions to keep our district an amazing place to work, live and play.

RYAN, Amanda May

I have lived in Waihi for 11 years and am seeking nomination as a Waihi Ward Councillor. I have strong local connections and am involved in several community groups like Predator Free Waihi and Go Waihi. I am also a member of the Council's assessment panel for CCS Hauraki.

My background spans teaching, retail, event and media management, as well as governance roles, including serving as a school board trustee and chair, a member of the NZGFA National Council, and treasurer for a not-for-profit organisation.

As your Councillor, I would bring skills in communication, leadership, collaboration, and financial management, along with empathy, openness, and a desire to see all in our community flourish.

I am dedicated to ensuring Waihi remains a great place to live by managing infrastructure, resources, and our environment sensibly and sustainably, while addressing challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis and rising Council expenses.

Together we thrive!

SPICER, Anne Marie

It's been a privilege to serve as Waihi Ward Councillor for the past nine years. I treat this role as a full-time commitment and currently chair Council's Community Partnerships Committee, focusing on social and economic development. I'm also a trained Hearings Commissioner and sit on several other Council committees.

Locally, I'm active in community groups, including the Waihi Community Forum, which recently partnered with the Council to deliver Waihi's new Pump Track. I'm also involved with Grey Power, Lions, and the Waihi Arts Centre and Museum.

This has been a challenging term, marked by rising costs and significant changes in the local government sector. With extensive experience and a practical, strategic approach, I believe I am well-equipped to navigate what lies ahead.

I hope you reconsider me as your Councillor. I'd love to continue working collaboratively with all community stakeholders to build stronger, healthier, prosperous communities in the Waihi Ward.

THOMPSON, Stuie

Born and raised in Waihi, I’m a small business owner, property investor, and father who understands the real-world challenges locals face. I’ve spent the past decade building successful businesses from scratch - not from handouts, but through hard work and grit. I’m running because our community deserves more than bureaucracy and broken promises.

I bring fresh thinking, real results, and zero tolerance for waste. I’ll fight for better infrastructure, fairer rates, and a council that actually listens. I believe in straight talk, local solutions, and protecting what makes our region special - including our environment, economy, and animals.

I won’t always say what’s popular, but I’ll always fight for what’s right.

COLLIER, Rereahu

Ngā puke ki Hauraki ka tarehu, e mihi ana ki te whenua, e tangi ana ki te tangata. Tihei Mauri Ora!

He hononga whakapapa tenei ki Ngāti Tamaterā, ki Taharua. Kua tu au hei heamana mo toku marae, a, he kaimahi hoki au hei Rautaki Māori ki Kaunihera o Tamaki Makaurau.

Ka huri taku titiro ki nga kaupapa here, ki ngā rautaki o Pare Hauraki hei whakawhaneke I ngā putanga, I ngā moemoea a Ngai Māori ki tenei rohe o tatoa. Ko te whainga matua e whakatinana ai tenei wero oku he whakarite rautaki Māori e aro ki ngā nawe, ki ngā hua o tatou ma roto i te tirohanga Māori, ma kona ka pupu ake ngā hua ki ngā tikanga, ki te taiao, ki ngā tangata hoki. Mo ngā marae, mo ngā hapu te take.

Hoake tatou ki Hawaiki hou, whitiki taua!

TYLER, Desmond

Ko Des Tyler nee Pakinga ahau.

I whakapapa to Hauraki whenua through my Koro Albert Pakinga, Ngāti Tamaterā and also my Nana Jane Greene nee Mita, Pakinga, Ngāti Hako.

I am putting my name forward for Te Pakikau O Te Ika Māori Ward Hauraki-Thames.

I currently work as a Kaitiaki at Waiora Waikato Hospital and did over 10 years with Ara Poutama (Dept of Corrections).

I also sit as a Trustee for my Mārae Tirohia which is a honour for me. I am a real people person and not afraid to be a voice for our people when it matters most. I look forward to your support and your vote especially now more than ever.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people