By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy Reporting
Rangitīkei voters will have their say in six election contests this year, following a strong show of interest in the 2025 local elections.
Nominations closed with 32 candidates confirmed across the Rangitīkei District Council mayoralty, wards and community boards.
Voting will take place between 9 September and 11 October.
Deputy Electoral Officer Katrina Gray said a last-minute surge of nominations contributed to a “positive result” for the district.
“This is an increase of two from the 2022 elections, where we only had contests for the mayoralty, two wards and a community board,” Gray said.
“We have also increased the number of candidates standing from 29 in 2022 to 32, which is encouraging.”
The 2025 race for mayor will be contested by four candidates, while the three general wards, one of the two Māori wards and one of the two community boards will go to election.
Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland Māori Ward) and the Rātana Community Board are uncontested.
Council chief executive Carol Gordon welcomed the high level of interest, saying the strong field reflected a healthy and engaged democracy.
“Local government is going through a period of significant change and putting your hand up for election is no small undertaking,” Gordon said.
“A vibrant and diverse contest of ideas is not only healthy, it’s essential.”
Full list of candidates
Mayor (1 vacancy):
• David Christison
• John Hainsworth
• Simon Loudon
• Andy Watson (incumbent)
Northern Ward (2 vacancies):
• Diana Baird
• Peter Kipling-Arthur
• Jeff Wong
Central Ward (5 vacancies):
• Justin Adams
• Alan Buckendahl
• David Christison
• Fi Dalgety
• Sandra Field
• John Hainsworth
• Bryan Hastings
• Dave Wilson
Southern Ward (2 vacancies):
• Graham Jenkins
• Graeme O’Fee
• Bryan Rowe
• Paul Sharland
Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal Māori Ward) (1 vacancy):
• Coral Raukawa
• David Yates
Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland Māori Ward) (1 vacancy):
• Tracey Piki Te Ora Hiroa (elected unopposed)
Taihape Community Board (4 vacancies):
• Caryse Clark
• Gill Duncan
• De-Anna Green
• Fiona Kahukura Hadley-Chase
• Peter Kipling-Arthur
• Melanie Pera
Rātana Community Board (4 vacancies): (All elected unopposed)
• Jason Hihira
• Ruthie Lawrence
• Charlie Mete
• Grace Joan Taiaroa
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