Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision)

Team Franklin

Candidate statement

'I do it because I can and I do it because I care about You' Formally Secondary College teacher and Director of a Multi-National Company. Lived in Beachlands with my wife and have spent at least 2 working days a week on the coast. Having served for 4 terms a strong Team approach is vitally important to get things done in Council for You. Commitments: Work with Vector to finalise undergrounding of power in Old Beachlands; Consult further on council hub with Public service desk in Beachlands; Support for youth initiatives, including a Secondary College and Pump Track; Establish Menzshed and support senior citizens Kerb, Channel and footpath First View; Oversee Targeted rate footpaths throughout Wairoa Support all our rural communities, including for emergency management; Reduce speeds around schools and safety; Police Beaches more effectively; Increase Commercial Land for local employment; Upgrade, renew Playgrounds, Toilets and shade sail at Kahawairahi.

Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision)

Team Franklin

Candidate statement

My partner and I have lived and raised our children in Beachlands for 21 years. I have a commercial/communication background and a passion for community. I come with a desire to learn about local government, the wider community of Franklin, to support and where needed question. I have been attending online and in person Franklin Board meetings in recent months to get a head start on the process, I am excited to be included in Team Franklin and believe I can add value to an already experienced group. Our community is growing fast, and change is inevitable. Each of us if asked, would have a different set of priorities, my hope would be to future-proof our community by providing adequate spaces to enable us to be a thriving and functional place to live, work and grow.

Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

I am a horticulturist specialising in environmental works with over 50 yrs experience. Working locally over the years has give me knowledge of parks and recreation area. I believe there is room for improvement. Due to the 1993 Local Govt Amendment Act, which led to the contracting out of council services we have sunk into a mire of duplicated middle management and over payed bureaucracies, being played by consultants and multi national contractors. My experience working for such firms in Franklin saw them cut corners in order to profit, overspec jobs (Traffic control), and when you combine the middle management number with the supervising council officers the ratio was around 1-3. Top heavy! Repeal the act and bring all work including Auckland Transport back into council ownership. Taking away the profit lost to overseas owned firms, putting 1/2 of supervision back on the tools, saving 25-40% of our rate take.

Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

Raised in the Wairoa subdivision, I have a deep appreciation for the values, people and environment that make our community unique. As a dedicated educator, environmental advocate and online educational content creator, I bring strong local insight and dedicated community service to the Franklin Local Board. With over 20 years' experience as a secondary school teacher, I have inspired thousands of students across our community. My geography-focused digital educational content has reached a global audience of over 41,000 subscribers, helping learners around the world engage with environmental and civic issues. I am committed to practical, fiscally responsible leadership that ensures our infrastructure keeps pace with growth while protecting the natural environment. I believe in transparent decision-making and smart investment that delivers real value for our community. If elected, I will champion improved infrastructure, sustainable development and strong local representation. Vote Darron Gedge - for trusted, reliable, local representation.

Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision)

ACT Local

Candidate statement

Time and again, Wairoa residents have been let down by Franklin Local Board, with poor value for money spending, neglected public amenities, and decisions driven by politics over need. Our local board needs real change to deliver for Wairoa. With over 30 years’ experience in senior logistics and infrastructure roles and a strong record across government, business, and community sectors, I understand the importance of strong advocacy work and know how to deliver practical solutions to solve the problems our community faces. By voting for me as your ACT Local candidate, you will get back‑to‑basics advocacy: I will promote better oversight on spending decisions, safer and more reliable local connections, stronger resilience through stormwater and coastal improvements, and champion a new Pohutukawa Coast secondary school to support learning and wellbeing. If you want common sense back on the board, please give me one of your votes. I live in Maraetai.

Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision)

Team Franklin

Candidate statement

I have lived on the Pohutukawa Coast for over 20 years, served the last three years as your Local Board Member and have been active in local community organisations for many years. With continuing growth and poor infrastructure, my focus is on roading, ferries and access to public transport, public spaces, our environment, supporting arts and events, planning for the future and ensuring the best outcomes for our communities. Team Franklin has a track record of getting things done. Problem solving, persistence and collaboration works. We understand Council and have good working relationships. I worked for many years in the international financial markets before returning to Auckland with my family. I also love sports and am a Board Member of Tennis Auckland and Fencing NZ. I am committed to working towards providing a better future for our communities.

Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision)

Candidate statement

I'm a software engineer and business graduate with experience in distribution and the energy sector. I have also chaired leadership teams for community driven groups. Lately, I've been concerned about how co-governance is unfolding at the local level. I will oppose initiatives that create division or slow progress. Another key issue for me is rates. While I believe some rate increases are inevitable, councils have a responsibility to ensure ratepayer funds are spent wisely to minimise them. This means pushing back on projects that are unnecessary or unreasonably costly. Right now, the council's priority should be maintaining the infrastructure we already have - much of which is deteriorating - from our water systems to roads and public facilities. I value efficiency, fairness, and evidence-based decision-making. One vote independent will help ensure the local board remains accountable to these values.