Who are the 2023 Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand Election Candidates?

NZ General Election 2023 Coromandel General Electorate candidates 

How information about each candidate was collected

All candidates registered on Vote NZ for the Coromandel Peninsula were contacted by the All About Whitianga team and invited to participate to contribute to this article. Candidates were contacted via their contact details provided on their individual party websites. Where candidates that did not respond to the All About Whitianga teams request to participate in this article a candidate bio from their individual party website has been used. 

Caleb Ansell – New Zealand First 

No response from candidate – information taken from candidates party website.

Matamata Piako District Councillor Caleb Ansell will stand in the electorate of Coromandel this year for New Zealand First.

Caleb is based in Manawaru with his wife Holly and has a background in customer service. He is actively involved within the community through his local church, and worked in the Life Centre Trust during his studies, helping with their food parcel program.

Caleb feels deeply passionate about equal citizenship, and is eager to represent New Zealand First’s values in the upcoming election.

Ray Cobb - New Zealand Loyal

We are standing as a group of representatives for all of New Zealand to make the required changes to bring our country where it needs to be for each and every one of us. 

We want to bring to the New Zealand public, policies that are realistic and achievable, creating a country of inclusive diversity with respect for each individual. 

I personally have been involved with the Primary industries of farming and forestry within the framework of small business. And dovetailed in between, a 16 year stint with the New Zealand Police. 

I look forward to engaging with critical and innovative thinking people to improve democratic freedoms for all of us. 

Pamela Grealey – Green Party

Individual response from candidate supplied.

I’m Pamela Grealey, the Green Party candidate for the Coromandel. I've been campaigning about injustice and environmental issues since I was teenager and the Green Party policies have always resonated strongly with me. I live in Kapanga Coromandel Town where I run my own consulting business. We provide support and mentorship to local entrepreneurs to build and run sustainable and successful businesses. As a community service we also provide employment advocacy to those who need advice and support. We also support small businesses who maybe unsure of their rights and responsibilities as an employer.

In every policy area, The Green Party’s commitment remains resolute: to build an Aotearoa that thrives on inclusivity, sustainability, and justice. Our vision is one of unity, where the well-being of every citizen is paramount.

We have a raft of policies geared to lifting people up while ensuring we remain within the boundaries of the planet.  By rebalancing the tax system to ensure it is more equitable we can help lift every family out of poverty and fund our dental policy guaranteeing that everyone gets free basic dental care, ensuring we're all going to be happier and healthier. And our renters pledge will ensure everyone has a safe, healthy, and affordable place to make their own. 
 
I’m particularly excited about the policies on climate action as they will help to mitigate catastrophic events such as the one in January 2018, where around 240 homes in Kaiaua were inundated when a storm hit at the same time as a king tide, made worse by the climate crisis in which we find ourselves. Most of those homes were uninhabitable without some repair and over a third were severely or moderately damaged. Our policies will provide comprehensive support for communities and individuals affected both by the transition to a net zero emission economy and by the impacts of already-unavoidable climate change. We will also implement holistic, enduring solutions for restoring and protecting the unique biodiversity and ecosystems in Aotearoa
 
Whether you share our vision and intend to vote Green or not, I urge you all to exercise your right to vote and support a healthy, vibrant democracy! 

Beryl Riley  – Labour

Individual response from candidate supplied. 

I’m proud to be standing for Labour in the beautiful Coromandel with its diverse communities and resilient, community-minded residents.

Living in Thames, I work across Coromandel supporting people with mental health issues. I see the financial and other challenges families face daily.

I will bring my skills and experience as a businesswoman, teacher, psychologist, school principal, community volunteer and senior public service manager to be an effective MP for Coromandel.

I pledge to be a strong advocate for Coromandel’s environmental, social, creative, and economic future:

• Helping families in need through the cost of living crisis
• Safeguarding our natural resources, tackling climate change – with a focus on weather events and local farming and fishing industries
• Improving health and education, and addressing poverty
• Promoting best practice in Policing and Justice sectors
• Championing local tourism
• Developing job / business opportunities by promoting innovation and building infrastructure, e.g., roading, housing, and public projects.
• I want Aotearoa to be a place where our children can have a prosperous, sustainable future. I support this Government’s plan to act boldly and tackle inequality and climate change head on.

Scott Simpson – National

Individual response from candidate supplied. 

Hi, I’m Scott Simpson, National Party candidate for Coromandel.  I’ve been involved with the National Party and politics since my high school days and I’m fourth generation Coromandel. My great-grandparents arrived in Kuaotunu, north of Whitianga, in the mid-1800s.  My passion for the environment is well known and as National’s spokesperson for the Environment, Oceans, Water and Fisheries I get the opportunity to turn that passion into practical environmental policy. First elected as Coromandel MP in 2011, I’ve also served as Minister of Statistics, Associate Minister of Immigration and Associate Environment Minister. I have two adult children and am now a grandfather too. Thames is home but most days my office is my car as I travel around our beautiful electorate.

Sarai Tepou - Nz Outdoors & Freedom Party

No response from candidate – information taken from candidates party website.

As a Midwife for nearly 30 years, Sarai opted out of the health industry due to the mandates enforced amongst herself and her peers in 2021. She's also qualified as a Registered Comprehension Nurse. 

In Women's Health, she provided professional services for child-bearing women as an Independent Midwife in all four corners of Auckland City. 

She's deeply concerned the covid injections recommended by various agencies and feels these entities and other councils need to be challenged and made accountable.

Joanna Verburg – ACT 

Individual response from candidate supplied. 

I strongly believe in equality, freedom of choice and personal responsibility for everyone. I’m a regular Kiwi girl who has experienced life the way it really is, rather than being a polished career politician. I know what it’s like to raise a child as a single parent, to be made redundant, to support someone you love through mental illness, to lose your annual crop in a storm, to wonder how you’ll pay the bills.

I’ve owned and worked on a kiwifruit and avocado orchard for the past 6 years and have experienced first-hand the challenges business owners face. I’ve had a 25-year career in corporate banking and foreign exchange, working with small businesses, government departments and corporates all over the country. I understand the domestic economy as well as the global economy New Zealand must interact with in order to grow. 

A key to growing our economy is to encourage growth in exports and small businesses, not stifling our No. 8 wire ingenuity as the current government is doing. I want to see New Zealand realise its enormous potential so that we can raise the standard of living for everyone. 

NZ General Election 2023 Maori Electorate: Hauraki-Waikato

Nanaia Mahuta - Labour Party

No response from candidate – information taken from candidates party website.

Representing Hauraki-Waikato is a privilege so the dreams and aspirations of our whānau can be realised with a Party that values equity, social justice and te Tiriti o Waitangi.

I’m proud of what we have achieved to ensure that whānau have access to apprenticeship training, ece funding, lower prescription fees, winter energy payments, increased minimum wage, subsidised public transport and access to affordable housing.

In addition, we’ve increased housing initiatives in partnership with iwi, introduced maori wards in Council districts, supported Māori business, increased maori trade opportunities and progress with maori health reform to improve health outcomes.

Hauraki-Waikato deserves strong, experienced representation prepared to work hard for the aspirations in our electorate.

We have done so much and there is more to do.

Your support will help me to campaign for Labour and the privilege to represent the electorate.
Pai Mārire.

Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke – Māori Party

No response from candidate – information taken from candidates party website.

Kei aku parepare, kei aku whakaruruhau nei raa ka mihi.

Ko Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke tooku ingoa he uri teenei noo ngaa hau e whaa oo te mootuu, noo Nga Puhi, Waikato, Taranaki, Ngati Porou, me Ngai Tahu.

Ko aku waewae kaipakiaka e noho ana ki te riu oo Waikato.

E ngaakau nui ana ahau ki ngaa takahanga katoa oo te Ao Maaori.

I’m passionate about navigating our OG way through the 21st century, through Maara Kai (food sovereignty), Taatai Arorangi (Maaori astronomy), Maramataka Maaori (Maaori lunar cycle)

I’ve been surrounded by powerful political movements my whole life, and I believe Te Paati Maaori is creating Te Aotearoa Hou for our generation and generation to come.

Donna Pokere-Phillips - Nz Outdoors & Freedom Party

No response from candidate – information taken from candidates party website.

Donna Pokere-Phillips has a Master of Law Degree with Honours from University of Waikato and has been deeply involved in her community, having lived in Hamilton West for 30 years.

Donna's legal background has given her the foundation to take on many facets of work including Environmental Advisor, Contract Lecturer, Maori Governance and Leadership Specialist, Impact Report Writer, Employment Law Specialist, plus Mäori Resource Management Specialist. Donna has whakapapa connections to Tainui, Tuwharetoa, and Taranaki Iwi.

What is the Member of Parliament's role?

Members of Parliament (MPs) in New Zealand are individuals elected through general elections to the House of Representatives  known as Parliament. They fulfil diverse roles within the political landscape, either as part of the government or in opposition. Regardless of their affiliation, all MPs represent both the interests of the New Zealand public and their respective political parties.

An MP's responsibilities encompass a range of duties such as articulating and addressing the concerns of the citizens, enacting new legislation and amending existing laws, overseeing the allocation of tax funds, and ensuring the government's decision-making remains prudent and responsible. Opposition MPs play a crucial role by scrutinising the actions of the government.

MPs who are not part of the government can introduce legislative proposals known as members' bills. Additionally, MPs have the capacity to present petitions from the public within the House of Representatives. 

Those who hold ministerial positions are responsible for specific policy areas like healthcare or education, overseeing relevant government agencies, proposing new laws or amendments, and answering questions related to their portfolio during parliamentary question sessions.

The role of an MP extends beyond the legislative arena. They engage extensively with the public, media, and interest groups, communicating their viewpoints through speeches, articles, and interactions. They respond to letters and emails, often taking practical steps to address concerns. 

Constituency MPs advocate for local issues within Parliament and party caucuses, maintaining offices to aid constituents with queries, whether related to legislation, government policies, or issues with state agencies. 

List MPs, who do not represent specific constituencies, often focus on representing special-interest communities, ensuring their voices are heard.

MPs also take part in international parliamentary engagements, participating in organisations and delegations with other countries. Through these interactions, they bolster New Zealand's reputation as a multicultural democracy, advocating for the nation's interests and fostering strong ties with the global community.

Who is The MP for Coromandel representing?

The Coromandel electorate incorporates, not only the Peninsula (Thames, Coromandel, Whitianga, Whangamata) but extends down to Waihi Beach and Katikati to the east, it also includes the Hauraki Plains towns of Paeroa and Te Aroha and extends out north-westerly to include Miranda. 

The latest data collected for the Coromandel Peninsula in 2017 as shown on Parliament.nz website shows that:

• The median age of the population in the electorate was 47, which was, along with Otaki, the highest of any New Zealand Electorate. 
• Coromandel also has the second-largest share of those aged 50-64 years (23%), and the second-largest share of those aged 65 and over (24%). 
• Over one quarter (26.5%) of the electorate receives New Zealand superannuation – the second-highest share of any New Zealand electorate. 
• Agriculture, forestry and fishing was ranked main industry followed by Retail, Manufacturing, Construction and Healthcare and Social assistance. 
• Of those enrolled to to vote, the turnout at the poll was 82.8% in the 2017 election.