Hauraki District candidates 2019

Five councillors to be elected in the Waihi Ward

PAUL ANDERSON

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. I have been a successful businessman for over 25 years and set up Diamonds on Seddon 15 years ago. The location in the centre of town has given me an excellent perspective of local issues and concerns, and a good understanding of the businesses, social groups and industries in the Waihi and Hauraki Region. My business statement is success through honesty and integrity and I live by those values throughout all aspects of my life. My vision for Waihi is a vibrant town that cares for its people and encourages and supports both new and existing businesses, which in turn will create employment opportunities. I believe I have the experience and skills to help achieve this. I am standing for councillor because of the support I have had to make our business a success. It is now time to give back, something I am keen and ready to do.

BRIAN GENTIL

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. I coown Gold FM broadcasting across the Hauraki and Coromandel. My family has a long standing connection to the Hauraki district and the Coromandel. Go Waihi coordinator for over eleven years. Introduced Waihi's warm up party for Beach Hop and a number of other events to the district. I've had a close association with the business community. My career has been in advertising and marketing, sales and management, public relations, promotions, journalism, programme director and broadcaster. Past chairman and vice chairman and current committee member of Waihi Community Marae. Past committee member for Echo Walking festival for 11 years, chairman for last six. I love our bush, beach and boutique shopping and want Waihi and the district to be a great place for those that live, work and visit here. I'll stand for transparency and accountability, wants versus needs and good governance.

BRIAN HABBERFIELD

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. My view is Karangahake mountain, I've lived beside the Waitekauri and Ohinemuri rivers over a period of forty years. Hauraki is my adopted home. My background is largely in building and construction, with some civil engineering and survey work, mainly on flood control infrastructure. I farm a small block at Waikino, and am very involved in a number of community groups and organisations in Waikino and Waihi, Hauraki, and the greater Waikato. I love the uniquely special and diverse community of Hauraki and the rich natural heritage that still remains for us to enjoy and nurture. I recognise that we live now in interesting times, and our communities will need to find the resilience and means to meet the new challenges around the corner. I'm already working hard for my community, and look forward with your help to be able to do even more. Nga mihi, thank you.

JULIAN HONEY

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. Personal statement: My name is John Julian Honey, known locally as Julian. I am a solo dad of two beautiful daughters who have now left home. I can now pursue my passions. Mission statement: I was born, raised and spent most of my adult life in Waihi. My wish is to contribute to the betterment of our town, Waihi. I am committed to being a voice for the residents. I will be for transparency, honesty and fairness on the council. I can already see some issues that need addressing and I'm hoping for more input from the residents.

SARA HOWELL

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. I am standing as a ratepayer and for the wellbeing of Waihi Ward and Hauraki district. I have lived in Waihi since 1981, worked here since 1973. I have been a business owner and a volunteer in many organisations. Secretary to Waihi Athletic Junior Rugby, Meals on Wheels, attendant of ambulance, Go Waihi committee and chairperson, Waihi Streetscape Committee Community Patrols and ran junior badminton after school. So I do like giving time for our community. I would be proud to represent Waihi Ward on council.

AUSTIN RATTRAY

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. Being a '20 something' and proudly working and living in our district, I am passionate about Hauraki, its people and its natural beauty. We are lucky to live in such an amazing district, though moving forward the Hauraki faces huge challenges as it tackles head-on the effects of climate change and environmental challenges. This is no small task. Driven through my involvement in the Young Elected Members Network over the last triennium, I am passionate about meaningfully working with all members of our community alike as we strive to make Hauraki the best district it can be. I believe by helping our diverse communities, businesses and council work together we can build a bright and prosperous future for both ourselves now and for future generations in our district.

ALAN SCOTT

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. Kia Ora. Hauraki is our place, Waihi is our home. Being a long-time Hauraki resident I settled in the Waihi ward over 30 years ago with my wife, Ruth, where we raised our family of five children on our Whangamata Rd dairy farm. In addition, I worked as a pastor at Waihi Baptist Church for 14 years and a counsellor. We now enjoy having our eight grandchildren nearby, operate a small grazing unit and continue our connection with Waihi East School and more recently Goldfields School in Paeroa. As a candidate for the Waihi Ward, I offer: availability and energy, to serve the people of Waihi and Hauraki; skills, governance and leadership experience gained through a rich life and involvement with people, community organisations, school BOT and church. Strengths identified as: strategic, relator, responsibility, connectedness and activator; and integrity, good character and open communication.

DUNCAN SMEATON

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. Farming is my life — dairying, agricultural research and consultancy. I am keenly interested in managing the tension between profitable food production, environmental protection and native biodiversity. My first term as councillor has been a mix of admiration, frustration and curiosity. I am reassured that council expenditure is tightly controlled and heavily rules based. I have enjoyed the opportunity to question and analyse council decisions and have developed a special interest in solid waste disposal. Things do not happen as quickly as I

would sometimes like and I have to curb my impatience to match what is realistically possible. If elected, I can add my recent council experience to my skills which include management and financial planning, ability to get things done, communication skills, team work and a sense of humour. My vision for Waihi is a sustainable, vibrant, caring and safe community.

DANNY SPARKS

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. Waihi is a great place to live and work and I want to see it get better and better. As your representative on the council, I will work to make sure that we get value for money for every single dollar we pay in rates and that nothing goes to waste. I will look for ways to enhance and promote Waihi's unique personality and make our town a popular destination, not just a stopover on the way to somewhere else. I will work to maintain and improve our parks and sports facilities and support events and activities that benefit all Waihi residents including our children and our elderly. I will do all I can to make Waihi a model of good living for towns all across New Zealand. I want to make our city grow better and better in every way it can. Can I count on your support?

ANNE MARIE SPICER

My principal place of residence is in the Waihi Ward area. As a current Waihi councillor, I've had the pleasure of holding the community Initiatives portfolio for Hauraki, and am involved with the social strategy, senior housing and waste minimisation working Parties. I've also become a trained hearings commissioner. I love living in Waihi and enjoy being an active member of our community. I'm currently a member of the Waihi Community Forum, Waihi's It's Not OK' committee, Waihi Lions Club, Grey Power and I'm co-founder and chairperson of Keep Waihi Beautiful. My husband and I have three children and own a small business here. As a business owner, I understand the value of being a confident, constructive communicator, with a focus on getting things done. As a pragmatic, solutions-driven person, I'd ensure your concerns were heard and would look forward to working collaboratively with all community stakeholders so that together, we can continue to build a thriving community here in Waihi.