Your candidates

Colin Alder

Email: kereru@xtra.co.nz

I'm running for Mayor to offer a fresh direction, not as a career politician. I stand for transparency, efficiencies, careful spending, and a culture of service leading to prosperity for all. I'm from Manutuke, a farmer. Most of my family, including three of my five children and all six moko, live in Gisborne. I'm committed to keeping our region Tairawhiti, vibrant and affordable for all. G.B.H.S, Massey Degree, teaching, farming organically, school BOT, volunteer fire brigade, grower rep packhouse chairman, Smash Palace life member.

I have served on the council for the last term: I have not missed a meeting. I will ensure all new councillors are empowered with skills to maximise their contribution. Hard work, efficiency, cashflow and cutting unnecessary costs are some of the keys to survival and prosperity. I will bring strong assertive leadership to our council. Encouraging Business development, better consultation and the democratic process.

Rehette Stoltz

Email:  rehette@me.com

Thank you for the honour of serving as your Mayor. It's been a privilege - and a challenge - to lead our Council and community through multiple extreme weather events and economic hardship. We’ve faced these together, with teamwork, resilience, and a shared commitment to Tairāwhiti. Over this time, you’ve seen my business skills, education, and hardworking, inclusive approach in action. I have remained 100% focused on serving you and our region. I’m standing for re-election because I deeply believe in Tairāwhiti’s potential. I'm committed to helping us recover, grow, and thrive - together.

With experience, energy, and a deep love for our people and place, I will continue to lead with purpose, integrity, and a vision for a stronger future. Let’s keep building a region that flourishes for everyone. For proven leadership and a collaborative, inclusive approach, vote Rehette Stoltz for Mayor. Let’s shape our future - together. www.stoltz.co.nz

Colin Alder

Email:  kereru@xtra.co.nz

As a councillor last term, I worked hard to drive change.

I feel I have contributed well to the decision-making process. I see things others don't, I question and unashamedly lean on the fence between governance and operations. I'm frustrated by the lack of transparency, difficulty in accessing information, rising debt levels, increasing staff numbers and increasing rates placing an unsustainable burden on ratepayers. The cyclone strained our region and forced a shift in focus away from essential council services. Recovery efforts should not hinder essential preventative maintenance. Our forestry industry must be nurtured to a position of sustainability.

My commitment is to open the doors of council, ensuring ratepayers know exactly where their money is going and have genuine input into the decisions that shape our future. I believe in supporting local enterprise, preserving our unique environment, and making sensible decisions that secure opportunity for future generations.

Alexandra Boros

Affiliation: Independent

About Me:  Born Alexandra Sherriff in Gisborne. I grew up rurally attending Ngātapa School and Girls High as a Rectory boarder.

I built my career in Hong Kong and Christchurch in the retail and wholesale business sectors.

I’m self employed, passionate about health and wellbeing, and I love to support youth in team sports. I’m a committee member of the Tairāwhiti Water Polo Club.

Why I'm Standing: I’m delighted to have returned home to live in the Gisborne inner city. I bring a fresh view to both our challenges and our remarkable potential as a region. Representing our community demands common sense, creativity and unwavering commitment and I’m ready to deliver.

My Key Areas Of Interest:  A safe and inspiring city centre that attracts and supports business and investment; To stop wasteful spending and cap unsustainable rates rises; Prioritising people over politics

Grant Brown

email:  browngrant02@gmail.com

My basic intentions when elected:

Rates capping
Council expenditure transparency
Councillor community allocating eg: Me/Elgin.
Meetings: councillor no show, no pay!
Don't vote/Can't moan. Vote!

Andy Cranston

As part of the Tairawhiti community, I am focussed on the aspirations and opportunities which will maintain and improve the lifestyle that our great region offers. I understand our challenges. I guarantee an exceptional work ethic and commitment to what is a complex role. My stage of life is such that I am fully available to Tairawhiti to undertake the demands and expectations of this role. I am a thoughtful representative for our whole community. I understand the need to listen intently to all sides of our issues and have an intention to achieve the best community outcomes possible. When the time comes to make a decision I will have given the issue the full consideration required. My intentions will always be with all our children and their children front of mind and to always be striving for a better future for us all.

Larry Foster

I have been a councillor since 2013, so bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the council table. I have been totally committed to the role of councillor and have consistantly had high attendance records. I come from a business background having been in business here for over 40 years. My family are still involved in our retail business. I am very passionate about the well being of our whole region and always endeavour to make sensible decisions and policies on behalf of my community. I have always been accessable to any of our residents with queries relating to council business.

Debbie Gregory

Affiliation: Independent

Email:  gregorydebbie70@gmail.com

After 15 years working as a journalist and chief reporter in Gisborne, I've gained a solid grounding in local issues, the people here and what governance means - this experience has served me well on council. Now with six years of constitutional knowledge added to that foundation, I feel confident and capable in this role.

I pride myself on being punctual, prepared and practical. I bring intelligence, a calm and attentive approach, and a strong commitment to common sense.

With three grandchildren growing up here, and another on the way, I think beyond quick fixes. I care deeply about the long term wellbeing of Gisborne and the generations to come.

The most important things in my life are my partner, my family and this beautiful place - Gisborne - where I have spent most years of my life. I'm dedicated and proud to serve you all for a third term.

Jeremy Muir

Kia ora,

We need real change to develop stronger communities. I will champion what is good for Tairāwhiti and especially our rangatahi – we have the highest proportion of young people in the country.

I want to shift thinking around the council table. My goal is for the council to be more responsive, collaborative and transparent, while delivering value for every rates dollar. Council governance needs to assert more direction over operations.

Gisborne proud and region-wide focused, my wife Priscila and I have three young daughters and live on a citrus orchard. I’ve been a board member of Gisborne Chamber of Commerce for 20 years and chair of Tauawhi Charitable Trust from 2015-2025, resigning to join affiliated Tāne Ora Tairāwhiti as community strategist.

I was Gisborne Herald editor from 2010-2024 and am qualified in accounting, politics, history and management. I am committed to helping make Tairāwhiti more prosperous and resilient.

Jono Samson

Kia ora koutou katoa, I'm Jono Samson.

Gisborne native and father of three. I've beaten cancer and mental health issues, survived divorce, lived in my car and been a finalist on LEGO Masters.

I've run multiple businesses and worked many jobs. I've lived in Auckland and Wellington working hospitality and driving buses. I've been knocked down nine times and got up ten.

I've learned about neurodiversity and Information Technology, I've discovered patience and resilience and have an enormous gratitude for my community.

I grew up analogue, watched the world turn digital and can translate between the two.

An entertainer and entrepreneur with lived experience, an unique approach to problem solving and a leadership that's inclusive and inspiring.

I believe in a vibrant exciting Tairāwhiti for the future which exports our talent, our heritage and our way of life to a world wide audience that needs a bit of Gissy magic.

Teddy Thompson

Affiliation: Independent

I am standing again for Council because I remain deeply committed to enhancing our community and preserving our little piece of paradise for generations to come. As a proud fourth-generation Gisborne local raising three children here, my passion for this region and it's people motivates my continued service.

Over the past three years as a councillor, I've maintained a 100% attendance record, demonstrating dedication and reliability. With a diverse background spanning roles in the Police, finance, construction, civil infrastructure, and as Roading Network Manager for Gisborne District Council, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities our community faces.

My intention is simple and genuine: to contribute positively, remain approachable, and advocate passionately for the needs of our community. I look forward to continuing this work, ensuring our region thrives, and remains the special place we all appreciate.

Blake Neil Webb

As a local resident, husband, and father of school aged children, I’m deeply invested in our East Coast community. I understand the everyday challenges families face, because I live them too. As a young business owner, I’ve built my livelihood here and proudly contribute to our local economy, but my commitment goes far beyond business. My family and I will live with the decisions that council make for decades to come, and I’m dedicated to ensuring those choices reflect the best interests of our entire community for the foreseeable future. I want to ensure our infrastructure and local services encourage smart, sustainable growth while preserving the culture and identity that make our region unique. I bring a practical, forward thinking approach shaped by hardship, real life experience, and a deep love for this place we call home. Let's build a thriving future for families, businesses, and generations to come.

Jackie Akuhata-Brown

Tena koutou katoa e te whanau o Tairawhiti

I am steadfast Ngati Porou with my whakapapa being Akuhata-Brown - Ngatoro, and Keelan - Moeke bloodlines.  I am applying for a seat in the Māori Ward in our region.

Having been approached for my opinion on areas of Roading, Forestry and Housing for our retirees are issues that are not only life changing but also an image of a fearful future for our people, our land, and our environment.

The TRMP that our Council has been working on tells a story that is positive and also frightening, and it would be irresponsible of me to make promises to our people that I would not be able to uphold.   What I can commit to is to give the term my best and to be courageous and stand up when issues are not addressed responsibly and progressively.

Chris Thomas Haenga

Email:  chrishaenga1976@gmail.com

As a former candidate for the Māori seats in Te Tairāwhiti, I stood on honesty - not empty promises. I told our people the truth: rates were going up, and they did. I didn’t run for popularity; I ran to bring real talk and accountability.

Now, looking at those elected, we must ask: what outcomes have been delivered? Māori seats should be more than symbolic - they must drive change. Representation means nothing without responsibility. Too often, it’s about appearances over action.
I’m standing again, committed to being open, accountable, and grounded in kōrero with our people. We deserve more than tokenism - we deserve leadership that delivers.

I’m here to serve with honesty, purpose, and results. Let’s raise the standard.

Mateawa Keelan

I bring a strong background in social services, business development and governance, guided by a deep commitment to the future livelihood of Māori whānau/hapū on the east coast. My vision is of thriving and resilient mokopuna, whenua and taiao.

My home is in Hiruharama near Ruatorea. I experience the difficulties of whānau and communities in our isolated rural areas. The roads, accessing services, housing and much more. I see where change is needed and I’m passionate about creating opportunities that uplift whānau, reduce inequities, and strengthen wellbeing in rural and urban areas of Te Tairawhiti. I support grassroots projects and business initiatives that focus on developing sustainable uses of local resources within a framework that addresses future impacts on whanau, whenua and environment.

I’m trustworthy, diligent, a good listener and strong advocate for people. I’m fully committed to ensuring that Te Tiriti and He Whakaputanga are embedded in local government.

Rawinia Parata

Email: rawinia.parata@gmail.com

My name is Rawinia Parata, I was part of the first cohort of Maori Ward Councillors for the Gisborne District Council, and I am putting my name forward to represent Te Tairawhiti again.

You can rely on me to always advocate for whanau, for equitable distribution of resources, investment, time and energy. I will always champion spaces for recreation, play and sporting and see this as part of core council business. I believe in economic prosperity and meaningful industry connections because that creates options both regionally and in individual homes. I am conscious of our environmental impact and finding balance in how we move forward and how we restore.

I believe in making mokopuna decisions, the kind of decisions that will elevate, protect and sustain our region, from our mountains and rivers, our roads and bridges, to our townships, the city and beyond.

Kat Taylor

Put your mana where your mouth is, answer the call.  Mā te kotahitanga standing together, one and all.  Change starts with us let's rise, let's grow.  I'm stepping up people, me haere tātou.

For whānau, for whenua, for future and past let's build something better, something that lasts.

I've worked these roads, patched pain, seen the cracks, felt the weight when truth doesn't match facts.  Through strain we rebuilt in the rain, held the line and rose again.

Real talk, real action, no playing pretend, I stand for every generation beginning to end.

I see our silent ones, their stories untold.  Neurodivergent, unique, brave and bold.  I see the unheard, the quiet, the true.  Our Takiwātanga whānau I see you.

Korero pono straight to the end, it's time for our voices to honour not bend.

Vote for tomorrow, let's walk it legit. Kia kaha tātou we're ready for it! Hōake!

Nick Tupara

No konei au. I am standing for the Maori Ward of the Gisborne District Council to serve whanau, hapu, and iwi with integrity, purpose, and accountability. My passion lies in uplifting our communities through strong Maori leadership grounded in tikanga, whakapapa, and matauranga.

This kaupapa is, ma koutou, for you, our people, whose voices deserve to be heard. It is, ma matou, for us, those ready to represent and advocate with strength and clarity. Also, it is, ma tatou, for everyone, because our collective wellbeing and future are shared.

With experience in education, the arts, and community development. I bring a balanced and culturally grounded perspective to the table. I believe in mana, motuake and collaboration, where decisions are made with, not just for, our people.

Nga manaakitanga, I ask for your support to serve our region with vision and heart.