Local Body Elections – Mayoral and Mercury Bay Ward candidates

What is the mayors role?

Below the seven mayoral candidates introduce themselves, but first what is the role of the mayor and what do they do?

Elected by all the electors in the Thames Coromandel District Council area, the mayor has the same responsibilities as a councillor along with some additional roles and powers:

The mayor also has the following roles:

• presiding at council meetings ensuring the orderly conduct of business during meetings
• advocating on behalf of the community which involves the promotion of the community and representation of its interests
• spokesperson for the council
• ceremonial head of the council
• providing leadership and feedback to other elected members on teamwork and chairing of committees
• fulfilling the responsibilities of a Justice of the Peace (while the mayor holds office).

The mayor also has the following powers:

• to appoint the deputy mayor
• to establish committees of the council
• to appoint the chairperson of each council committee
• to lead the development of the territorial authority’s plans (including the long-term plan and the annual plan), policies, and budgets for consideration by the members of the territorial authority.

Mayoral Candidates

Eric Carter

My principal place of residence is in the Thames- Coromandel District Council area. 

If you elect me Mayor my key focus would be the health and safety of the communities that I was elected to serve, for if the social, cultural, physical, and financial wellbeing of a community or part thereof is not balanced then a community cannot function properly.

Councils soon are going to face some of the most radical changes in local politics this country has ever seen starting with 3 waters and the list will grow, to face these challenges a council must work as a team and to do this and succeed we will need a strong Mayor. 

I am 61 years experienced at life, I moved to the Coromandel 11 years ago and think this is the best place in the world.

I would relish the opportunity to lead this district to grow in all areas to see it flourish and succeed as we all know it can. 

John Freer

My principal place of residence is in the Thames- Coromandel District Council area. 

My vision is clear - Ensuring the Coromandel Peninsula continues to be one of the most beautiful places to live, work or holiday. People are at the heart of my "Communities Matter" strategy through: Planned action on critical issues - community health and wellbeing, water, roads, rubbish, climate change impacts and communications; Leading an open, consultative and enabling council; Implementing community consultation to determine critical issues and community priorities; Empowering our community boards, resident's groups, Iwi, community representation bodies; Implementing an accountable economic development strategy encompassing defined goals, timelines, investment targets and strategic partners.

My skill set to achieve the vision - senior editorial positions with Independent Newspapers Limited and News Limited in Australia, senior communications and marketing roles with Air New Zealand, senior management and governance roles in sport in New Zealand, plus being a Coromandel Peninsula resident for 10 years.

Steve Hart

My principal place of residence is in the Thames- Coromandel District Council area. 

An Ecology Architect fusing Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design through Ecology gives me a strong capacity to offer TCDC the leadership it deserves. I have worked at senior level in City Councils and consultancies around the world on a vast array of projects. I have steered a number of community based NGOs involving myself in many political issues from a community standpoint, instigating and facilitating workshops.

Living in Puriri with Martina and our four girls in our 13 acre garden I cherish Coromandels environment which needs strengthening through coastal, farm and ranges. I enjoy building teams, researching and keeping an open mind on all subjects.

Peoples Assemblies will invite all to come together in healthy inclusive communities. Along with increased landscaping throught the district we can add considerable values in waste recycling, marine reserves, and joint venture business. I'm a designer and builder enjoying shared inputs from all people.

Ron Julian (Independent)

My principal place of residence is in the Thames- Coromandel District Council area. 

TCDC deserves smart strategic leadership. A Mayor with strong business experience, practical know-how and common-sense decision-making competence. 

A successful business owner on both sides of the Peninsula and trained project manager. I have the experience needed to know what needs to be done and how to deliver it to ensure our region can grow and thrive in an environmentally sustainable way. I'm not a career politician or running to serve an ego. I'm here to support you - the voter and ratepayer - with respect and equity to live a better life in this beautiful region. 

As well as promoting innovation and supporting our business community, I'll focus on the core essentials of improving our roading network, water and sewerage infrastructure. Advocate for sealing the Tapu-Coroglen, two-laning bottleneck bridges and new cycleways. I'll ensure I get best value for your ratepayer dollar when making investments. 

A respected Council - ronjulian4mayor@gmail.com

Len Salt (Independent)

My principal place of residence is in the Thames- Coromandel District Council area. 

Founder/Chairman - Whitianga Residents and Ratepayers Association (WRRA). Chairman of Creative Coromandel. Vice President - Greypower Mercury Bay. Chairman - Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre Trust (MBRRCT).

Recent successes: MBRRCT raised $250,000 to build a resource centre in Whitianga. Opening in March it will provide jobs, reduce waste disposal costs and volumes to landfill. WRRA worked with Community Board in getting an alternative water supply investigation started.

Work: Business accounts manager, innovative and award- winning business developer and retail business owner. General Management - food processing and timber processing plants. Mayoral Strategies include - more transparency on where your rates money gets spent. Review the present "contracts model" - take back control of essential council works.

Develop a business hub for technological innovation. Digital marketing, environmental and waste management, agriculture, the arts, tourism, health and education. Unlock the economic/social potential of Thames-Coromandel.
Empower local initiatives - council/community working together. Communities first.

Peter Pinkham (Independent)

My principal place of residence is in the Thames- Coromandel District Council area. 

My past work, personal and education experiences mean that I have the skill, knowledge and ability to be a good Mayor. I've been a worker, a boss, owned businesses, helped other businesses and travelled a lot. Worked in health, mental health, waste/recycling, business analysis and retail. I have spent the last 6 years working (bookseller) and living in Thames and have slowly become more interested in what happens in the Coromandel Peninsula. A lot of my customers come from all over the Coromandel. They are always happy to talk about what they think of life. I have listened, argued and discussed. 

My promises to the community: I will work hard for all people in the TCDC area. I will listen to everyone's ideas because more information helps make better decisions. I will fight for the future of the Coromandel.

Cherie Staples

My principal place of residence is in the Thames- Coromandel District Council area. 

My husband, daughters and I have had the privilege of calling Waiomu on the Thames Coast home for 34 years.

I have 15 years' experience working in both central and local government. As Parliamentary Community Engagement & Communications Advisor for the Member of Parliament for Coromandel. Every day I listen to and respond to the needs and concerns of Thames-Coromandel residents. 

I understand what matters to our people, and I have the knowledge and skills to seek and deliver solutions. As Deputy Chair of Thames Community Board, I have consistently supported policies to help our communities, families and businesses thrive. 

As Mayor I will lead a Council that puts ratepayers and residents' wellbeing and success at the heart of decision- making. Most importantly, I will continue listening to our residents and my door will always be open.

The role of a councillor

There are nine councillors and the mayor. Their role is to make decisions for the Thames Coromandel district that are in the best interests of the entire district. They have responsibility for:

• formulating the council's strategic direction and relative priorities through the long term plan process, and determining the services to be delivered and the projects required to support those services and the council’s strategic direction over the next ten years
• determining the expenditure and funding requirements of council services through the long term plan and annual planning processes
• overseeing the development and approving council policies
• monitoring the ongoing performance of the council against stated objectives and policies (including formal sign-off of the annual report)
• law-making (through making bylaws)
• overseeing council compliance with any relevant Acts of Parliament
• representing the interests of the district
• employing, setting performance requirements for, and monitoring the ongoing performance of the council's chief executive (under the Local Government Act the local authority employs the chief executive, who in turn employs all other staff on its behalf).

The council can only act by majority decisions made at meetings. Individual members (including the mayor) have no authority to act on behalf of the council unless provided for by statute or the council has expressly delegated that specific authority.

Let's meet the candidates standing for the three seats to represent Mercury Bay for this year's election.

Councillor Candidates for Mercury Bay Ward (Three to be elected)

Grahame Christian (Independent - Note withdrawn nomination)

For personal reasons I have decided to withdraw my nomination as a councillor for the Mercury Bay Ward. The process does not allow your name to be removed from the list, so this is an update in the hope that votes may not be wasted and other candidates affected. I wish the remaining candidates well. Grahame Christian

Deli Connell

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Ward area. 

My background is in education and sustainable development in which I have held management roles and represented New Zealand overseas.

I am honoured to have served three terms on Mercury Bay Community Board and am well-equipped to step up to the role of District Councillor.

Having lived in Mercury Bay for nearly forty years I have engaged with many organisations, community groups and individuals from Whangapoua in the North to 'Hotty' in the South.

These communities and their environments are diverse and 'one-size' decision making does not fit all. I am particularly mindful of the need to balance our rich cultural heritage and natural environs with tourism and business interests ensuring the best lifestyle possible for our people - young and old.

I believe we face four main issues in climate change, coastal erosion, the Three Waters legislation and increasing pressure on our overall infrastructure.

Rekha Giri-Percival

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Ward area.

It has been a privilege to represent our community as Chairperson of the Mercury Bay Community Board where council and businesses work together. I feel that ensuring infrastructure is adequate to meet the needs of residents and visitors, erosion, and the environment are areas the that need continued attention. We have a new waste management transfer station underway, and I support projects that offer our youth opportunities for development.

I grew up in Whitianga and have completed tertiary education in business and international communications. I returned to Whitianga after studying and working in Auckland, London and The Hague. While living overseas I held a global public relations role for a multi-national company. My husband and I own and run a residential building company and our three children attend the local area school.

John Grant (Independent)

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Ward area. 

I live, work, and play in Whitianga with my wife Lynda. We've 2 children and 4 grandchildren and moved to Whitianga in 2019 after launching Coromandel's CFM. A local radio station with studios in Thames, Whangamata and Whitianga. The station employs 5 staff. Additionally, I have a principal shareholding in Coromandel Insurance Services Limited. I'm a registered financial adviser and specialise in general insurance. The company employs 6 contractors/employees. 

My career has mostly been in financial services where I've held senior management positions including roles as managing director of large businesses, most recently in the field of disaster management where my company managed over 200 staff or contractors engaged in earthquake recovery work in Christchurch. I've also had board roles with subsidiaries of Colonial Mutual and General Electric. 

I'm passionate about the Coromandel, if elected will bring my experience to council and will represent with pride the Mercury Bay ward.

Caroline Hobman

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Ward area. I am also standing for Mercury Bay Community Board. 

English born, grew up in New Zealand with my widowed kiwi nurse mother.

"Public servant" draughting maps, I experienced mid-1980s NZ governmental reforms. I now understand how central government's decisions have impacted small communities.

Centralised decisions for short term gain have contributed to long term losses of lifestyles and needs of many New Zealanders. 

Returning to England, worked with locals there, in Greece, the Caribbean and USA, in hospitality; customer service; caring for families and elderly folk.

Overseas communities face similar challenges to NZers. Caring about the wellbeing of people, land, animals and ocean resources, is in the forefront of my mind. 

Returning to NZ to "save the world", married, a mother, a degree in complementary medicine. Passionate about herbal medicines, gardening, farming, and food production. 

A strong voice for the Mercury Bay, I would hold regular local meetings, coming together discussing and ideally, finding local solutions to local issues.

Ivan Steenhuis

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Ward area. 

I live rurally in Whenuakite and have been blessed to be part of this community since 2001. I am a business owner and through my work as a beekeeper I interact with many local landowners and members of community.

I am passionate about environmental issues and sustainability.

I believe local government should keep control of local assets and would encourage community involvement in decision making, because we as residents have the responsibility to make this piece of paradise desirable and affordable to live in.

I would like to be part of a team that uses resources wisely and efficiently to sustain our local economy for the future.

Candice Van de Ven

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Ward area. 

I am a mother of 4 daughters, residing in Matarangi.

I grew up in Thames, studied Education and Sports Science at Waikato University, started my career at Thames High, before meeting my husband. I am a long-time Coromandel local, with a true appreciation for our stunning region. In 2012, my husband and I began our journey into parenthood and business ownership with our construction company. Over the years I have continued to teach part time, started a baby swim-school, while raising our daughters, and being an integral part of our building business, and the wider community.

I am a member of various local sports and school committees - with a commitment to putting my hand up when it's needed. Juggling work life and mum life, I have developed invaluable logistic and time management skills. I am driven, passionate and determined to represent the interest of all people in our community.

What does a community board member do?

Five community boards represent the district, with four members being elected for Mercury Bay to:

• represent and act as an advocate for the interests of their community
• consider and report on any matter referred to it by the council and any issues of interest or concern to the community board
• make an annual submission to council on expenditure in the community
• maintain an overview of services provided by the council within the community
• communicate with community organisations and special interest groups in the community
• undertake any other responsibilities delegated by council.

The council has currently delegated the work programmes within the approved council budgets for the following activities and sub-activities to community boards:

• harbour facilities
• community centres and halls
• airfields
• public conveniences
• community grants
• local roading
• parks and reserves
• libraries
• swimming pools
• cemeteries.

There are five candidates standing for the Mercury Bay community board.

Mercury Bay Community Board (Four to be elected)

Caroline Hobman

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Ward area. I am also standing for Mercury Bay Community Board. 

English born, grew up in New Zealand with my widowed kiwi nurse mother.

"Public servant" draughting maps, I experienced mid-1980s NZ governmental reforms. I now understand how central government's decisions have impacted small communities.

Centralised decisions for short term gain have contributed to long term losses of lifestyles and needs of many New Zealanders. 

Returning to England, worked with locals there, in Greece, the Caribbean and USA, in hospitality; customer service; caring for families and elderly folk.

Overseas communities face similar challenges to NZers. Caring about the wellbeing of people, land, animals and ocean resources, is in the forefront of my mind. 

Returning to NZ to "save the world", married, a mother, a degree in complementary medicine. Passionate about herbal medicines, gardening, farming, and food production. 

A strong voice for the Mercury Bay, I would hold regular local meetings, coming together discussing and ideally, finding local solutions to local issues.

Billie Hunter

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Community Board area. 

Ko Ruapehu te maunga Ko Mangawhero te awa Ko Ngäti Rangi te iwi Ko Billie Hunter ahau. 

My pepeha above puts my introduction last. As an inherent responsibility to our natural environment, I place our landscape, bodies of water, communities and whänau before me, because service is at the core of my identity as Mäori. 

I live in Whitianga with my husband and three young tamariki. We are very involved in our community and have made many connections as local business owners, maintaining our ties with various community groups as well as local iwi, Ngäti Hei. 

I am pleased to run for the Mercury Bay Community Board to offer diversity and if elected, I will strive to be a voice for all. I will act in the best interest of ratepayers and residents with all critical decision-making, understanding the special privilege it would be to represent my community. 

Mauri ora!

Bess Kingi

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Community Board area. 

Tena koutou katoa. Ko Bess Kingi toku ingoa. My connection to Whitianga spans 30 years. We, my husband and whanau, consider ourselves privileged to be living here. I am fortunate to be well supported in my business, the Besshandz Embroider and Clothing Repairs.

I am a Justice of the Peace and a founder of Te Puna reo o Whitianga. I'm on the committees of the Whitianga Residents and Ratepayers Association and the Community Organisation Grants Scheme. 

As a board we will all have different skills and knowledge to contribute. We steer this Waka in the right direction for the betterment of our community. However, there is a real need for our Community Board to reflect the diversity within Mercury Bay. The time is right for me to contribute to local governance by serving on the Mercury Bay Community Board. "Our strength is not ours alone but that of our community."

Peter MacKenzie

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Community Board area. 

My name is Peter Mackenzie. My wife and I moved to Whitianga in 2016 with our two dogs.

I am a retired lawyer, having practised law in  Auckland City for 50 years.

I have three main interests in standing for the Mercury Bay Community Board: (1) To encourage the supply of additional fresh water for Whitianga use; (2) To prevent further erosion of Buffalo Beach; (3) To promote the application of common sense to Community Board and Council decisions.

Krissy Robinson

My principal place of residence is in the Mercury Bay Community Board area. 

My name is Krissy Robinson and I am actively involved in community projects. I am currently the chairperson of the Whitianga Toy Library and enjoy supporting other local charities and non-profits through my business Wild Wood Mini Golf. I would like to continue to offer my energy, drive and enthusiasm to help support the Mercury Bay community.

As an independent representative I am to: ensure that all perspectives are always considered; encourage clear and timely communication of community matters; support the community to connect with and make use of our unique environment and local resources; bring experience in business and growth to projects; apply a small business owner's perspective - working with the resources we have, a 'can do' attitude, and a drive to improve; be wholly committed to supporting the development of our community into an even more enjoyable place to live.

More information

For more information about candidates for all other wards across the Coromandel Peninsula and the election process to the Thames Coromandel District Council website. Download the full list of candidates across the District at the bottom of this page.