Candidates outline where they stand
Mike BARKER Independent
My principal place of residence is not in the Levin General Ward area.
I was born and raised in Levin. I have been self-employed as a manufacturing jeweller for the past 35 years. I am married with five adult children. I want to bring the voice of the community to the council table. In regard to any decisions that are made there, my only concern is whether or not those decisions are in the best interests of the ratepayers.
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Clint GRIMSTONE
My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.
The future of our rohe is undoubtably bright, it is what we do today that will determine what our future will look like. Council requires strong leadership, courage to make difficult decisions, and focus to deliver outcomes that enhance community wellbeing. It requires leaders who can listen, connect, and respond.
I stand for council to advocate for Taitoko/Levin. I have worked 27 years in the banking industry helping people turn their dreams into reality. My mahi with St John Horowhenua has been focused on delivering health initiatives that support the wellbeing of our community. Most Saturdays you will find me coaching the next generation of footballers and cricketers.
My wife Louise and I are parents to three boys, it is creating a future for them that drives me, as well as seeing equity of opportunity, so all can thrive. I am proud to call Horowhenua home!
Sam JENNINGS Standing Up For Horowhenua
My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area. I am also standing for mayor.
Council is in desperate need of change. A new chief executive brings great opportunity, but new governance leadership is needed to make things happen and get things done. Council often moves too slow, can be frustrating and wastes money.
Over the last three years I have been a hard-working councillor, actively pushing for change to lift council performance and exposing poor spending practices. I remain focussed on sensible spending, more accountability, and ensuring council delivers core services effectively and efficiently.
I want to make Horowhenua an even better place to live, work and play, where our lifestyle is protected, and we can take opportunities to realise the district’s potential to ensure people can be healthier, wealthier and happier.
I’ll continue to bring youthful energy and passion for refreshing and refocusing council to deliver better. I’ll be the champion and advocate that Horowhenua needs right now.
Athol KIRK Independent
My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.
Levin and Horowhenua have a wonderful location, environment and resources making this a fabulous place to live, work and play. It is the duty of the council to protect that environment and resources, while simultaneously improving and expanding infrastructure and amenity to accommodate the increasing numbers choosing our district to live.
With three generations of my family living in Levin I will do everything in my power to ensure that they have the best possible environment for their future. My Bachelor of Health Science with a major in environmental risk management, along with local and central government experience will help in that aim.
The electors of the Horowhenua district want and deserve councillors who’s loyalties and interests are focused on providing the best possible services. As an independent candidate, with no party affiliations, I believe I can offer a truly impartial mind and voice to the council table.
Jane Vailaua MASOE
My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.
Talofa lava, kia ora, I am Jane Masoe, I am of Samoan descent, a mother of two beautiful girls and the oldest of three siblings. I have grown up in Levin currently working with young people as a tutor and counsellor. Locally educated, Taitoko Kindergarten, Fairfield School and Waiopehu College. Levin is a place I call home.
I have a passion for working alongside people, as well as working for our beautiful community, I am motivated and passionate about shaping our community for our future. I would be honoured to serve as a Levin Ward councillor. Fa’afetai lava, thank you.
Veronica PITT
My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.
Growing up here and then raising my own family in the Horowhenua, I look forward to this opportunity to represent and engage with the community.
Throughout my life I have been involved in community activities and organisations including Playcentre, Horowhenua Family Violence Intervention Programme, and HALT. I currently work as executive director for the NZ Psychological Society. I have governance experience through national boards and have completed the Company Directors Course with Institute of Directors.
I seek constructive, collaborative solutions to issues, that honour Te Tiriti. I believe strongly in the importance of wha¯ nau, of iwi and community and balancing this with a viable economy.
Growth in the Horowhenua is a fantastic opportunity and my interest is ensuring that the region evolves to provide inclusive community spaces, protect the environment, deliver necessary infrastructure, enable effective public transport, improve healthcare accessibility, and generally support a vibrant community for us all.
Kelly TAHIWI
My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.
I am Kelly Tahiwi, born and bred local woman of Levin, with connections across Horowhenua. I am Muau¯ poko and Ngati Raukawa.
As a family with local businesses, Horowhenua is always going to be us.
I have grass roots, ground level passion for this community. My background is in education. I work with young children, young people, community and a diverse range of community, education and business leaders. My local governance experience includes schools, early childhood, sports, community, and iwi organisations.
An active community and iwi member, I am passionate about our community and families. Our community is changing and we need leadership that is responsive and future focused. Let’s get it right, for all our community our children and for future generations.
Piri-Hira Josephine TUKAPUA
My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.
I’m privileged to have represented Levin and served the people of Horowhenua for three terms. With each term a new mayor (Duffy, Feyen and Wanden) the ability to adapt to different leadership styles, remain solutions focused and work constructively with others has been critical for decisions that balance community needs and wants for both now and the future.
Along with five other elected members, I voted for a rates decrease for the 2020-2021 year which proved to have great results with no loss to levels of service and no impact to Standard and Poors credit rating.
I stand for affordability, efficiency, prudent distribution of rates, maintaining local ownership and local voice of Three Waters assets, advancing O2NL, enabling housing, supporting locally owned businesses, and improving our natural environment. I will continue to bring a positive, strategic, work ethic and a youthful, feminine, business perspective that adds value.
Carl VAN DEN BERG To serve my community
My principal place of residence is in the Levin General Ward area.
I, Carl Van Den Berg am standing for creativity, sustainability, accountability, transparency, efficiency and to serve ratepayer and residents’ interests.
Alan YOUNG
My principal place of residence is not in the Levin General Ward area.
Kia ora, my name is Alan Young I am a business owner, and a proud Levin resident.
I am standing for the Horowhenua District Council Levin Ward in the upcoming elections because I have a great passion to serve this community and make Horowhenua into a happier, healthier and safer place to live.
My experiences and relationships built within the community makes me well-equipped to be a strong voice for our diverse community as I can understand the issues and challenges faced by our society. Horowhenua is a highly diverse community with its beautiful beaches, public facilities and great people!
As your future representative, I will work on developing positive relationships between people of all faiths and cultures. Please feel free to visit my social media profiles to learn more about myself and my policies.