With nominations for the 2022 local body elections having closed on Friday 12 August, we can now give you the full list of candidates you can vote for.
The Waikato District will be getting a new mayor this year because Allan Sanson is retiring after serving for 12 years. The mayoral candidates include current Deputy Mayor Aksel Bech, current councillor Jacqui Church, Korikori Hawkins and Raglan local Ra Puriri. No matter the result, the Waikato District will be getting a mayor who is not a farmer for the first time ever in its 33 year history.
Standing for the new Whāingaroa Ward, which is a slightly extended version of the old Raglan ward, are current councillor Lisa Thomson and Ra Puriri.
There are three candidates for the new Tai Runga Takiwaa Maaori Ward which covers the southern half of the district. They are Korikori Hawkins, Tilly Turner and Sharnay Ormsby Cocup-Hughes
Community Board Chair Gabrielle Parson will be stepping down from the board but the other five board members: Dennis Amoore, Tony Oosten, Satnam Bains, Chris Rayner and Kiri Binnersley are returning. Contesting the six seats with them will be Selena Coombes, Jason Marinovich, Michelle Levy and Ross Wallis. Don’t forget that if you live in the Ruapuke, Te Mata and Te Uku areas you will be able to vote for the community board this election.
At the Regional Council, current councillors for our Waikato constituency Pamela Storey and Fred Litchwark are looking to return. Previous candidate Jennie Hayman will be standing against them and current District Councillor Noel Smith will be looking to make the jump from the district to the regional council.
For the Ngā Hau E Whā Māori constituency, which covers the same area as the Waikato general constituency, Tipa Mahuta was the only candidate so has been elected unopposed.
This content was provided thanks to Raglan Community Radio – visit raglanradio.com or 98.1FM for local news and music.
