Two candidates have been nominated to fill an extraordinary vacancy on the Raglan Community Board and an election has been called for Thursday 9 December 2021 by postal vote.
The candidates are Kiri Binnersley and Alan Vink.
Voting papers will be posted to all eligible electors from Wednesday 17 November.
They must be returned by post, or hand-delivered during normal business hours provided COVID-19 restrictions allow, to the Raglan Office and Library, 7 Bow Street, Raglan, or to Waikato District Council’s Head Office, 15 Galileo Street, Ngaruawahia, by 12 noon on election day (Thursday 9 December 2021). The final results will be tallied under the ‘first past the post’ system and are expected to be available that afternoon.
The by-election was triggered by the death of the Board’s deputy chair, Bob MacLeod, in August.
All information for the 2021 by-election is available at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/raglan-election-2021
Kiri Binnersley
Ko Hikurangi te maunga, Ko Waiapu te awa, Ko Ngati Porou te iwi. He uri no Porourangi e mihi atu ki a koe.
I grew up in Queenstown and have experienced firsthand the impact of change, both positive and challenging on the community; balancing tourism, providing infrastructure, taking care of our environment, housing affordability, the changing sense of community, and ultimately a sense of belonging.
I have lived in Raglan since 2018 and in that time have established my own chiropractic business serving a wide spectrum of people within our community. I am a member of Raglan Business Chamber and Women in Business and a Point Boardriders board member.
I bring my professional skills, my business knowledge, passion for community, and a fresh and younger voice to the role of the community board. I look forward to being of service to the people of Raglan and ask that you vote for me.
Alan Vink
I have previously been a three-term Raglan Community Board (RCB) member from 2010 – 2019. This included two years as Chair and four years as Deputy Chair.
I am standing because I am deeply troubled at the direction WDC is going, in handling the Raglan Airfield issue. I am a strong advocate for the land to be returned to Iwi/Hapu and also to the ‘Residents of Raglan’ as was originally gifted.
Secondly, I am committed like never before to community consultation on ALL major and critical issues, and further that the consultation process is well planned, thorough, timely and public.
Local Government NZ clearly notes that a ‘key’ role of a Community Board member is an advocate for ‘residents and ratepayers’.
This will be my focus should I be elected.
In your personal opinion, what are some of the things that make the Whāingaroa community unique?
We have a unique ‘vibe’. We are west coasters with an amazing mix of very clever people – surfers, artists, musicians, artisans, business people and scientists.
What are some values, skills or experiences that you bring to this position?
I have previously served on the CB for 9 years. I have had a life time of work in small business, governance, and management in the not-for-profit sector.
Is there a particular issue that you are passionate about locally?
Yes, the Airfield. At this present time I am very passionate about a fair and just outcome for Maori concerning the ownership of this land.
