18 October 2025
After months of kōrero, connection and community engagement, the 2025 local elections have confirmed who will lead our region for the next three years.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz has been re-elected for a third term. Newly elected are General Ward councillors Sam Gibson, Jeremy Muir and Alexandra Boros, and Māori Ward councillor Anne Huriwai.
They will work alongside returning councillors Aubrey Ria, Rhonda Tibble, Rawinia Parata, Nick Tupara, Debbie Gregory, Collin Alder, Rob Telfer, Teddy Thompson and Larry Foster.
“We congratulate the Mayor and Council elect and look forward to moving into the new term,” says Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann.
Council also acknowledges and thanks departing councillors Deputy Mayor Josh Wharehinga, Ani Pahuru-Huriwai, Tony Robinson and long-serving councillor Andy Cranston for their service and contribution to the district.
“We are incredibly grateful to those who have given so much of themselves to this community,” says Ms Thatcher Swann.
“Their dedication and contribution over the years have helped lay the foundation for the progress we continue to build on today.”
“To everyone who put their name forward, whether elected or not, thank you,” she adds. “Standing for Council takes courage and commitment.”
Māori wards retained
A major result of this election is the community’s decision to keep Māori wards. It is a strong and positive statement about who we are as a region and the values we share.
9904 voters supported retaining Māori wards, compared to 5704 who voted to remove them.
“Māori wards were introduced to strengthen Māori representation in local government and with around 54.8 percent Māori in Te Tairāwhiti this decision shows our community’s commitment to inclusive and representative leadership,” says Ms Thatcher Swann.
Community participation
This year’s election saw strong engagement with 48.1% of eligible voters taking part, well above the national average, with 50.3% from the General Ward and 43.8% from the Māori Ward.
This compares to total voter turnout in 2022 of 43.4%.
The newly elected Council will be sworn in on Wednesday 30 October at Lawson Field Theatre, marking the start of a new term and new opportunities to work alongside our community.
It is a moment to recognise the results and the collective effort — the thousands who voted, those who stood for election and everyone who encouraged others to take part.
View the final results at www.gdc.govt.nz/council/2025-elections/results
Photo: Results confirm Mayor Rehette Stoltz re-elected to third term.