Candidates revealed for 2022 local elections

Twenty-four candidates have put their names in the hat to be a Taranaki Regional Council elected member.

Nominations closed for the 2022 local elections on Friday 12 August.  The provisional list includes 11 candidates standing in the New Plymouth Constituency, three in North Taranaki, five in South Taranaki, four in Stratford and one candidate in the Taranaki Māori Constituency.

There are seven more candidates who have come forward to make their mark on our region than in the 2019 elections.

Chief Executive Steve Ruru said it was pleasing to see a rise in the number of candidates when many councils had struggled to get enough people to put up their hands.

“We’re delighted to have seen an increase in the number of candidates who have stepped up and taken a stand for what they believe in. It’s better for local democracy if voters have a wide range of candidates to choose from.

“I’d encourage voters to get to know their candidates so they can make an informed decision when they vote from 16 September. And of course please vote in the elections. Your say will have a direct affect on the big decisions made by your Council so it’s vital you take part.”

Voting packs will be delivered from Friday 16 September and voting closes at noon on Saturday, 8 October.

Provisional list of candidates:

Constituency

Name

New Plymouth (5 positions)

Tom Cloke

 

Lyall James Field

 

Susan Hughes

 

Allen Juffermans

 

Rusty Kane

 

David Lloyd Lean

 

Charlotte Littlewood

 

Darrel Nicholas

 

Elvisa Van Der Leden

 

Chris Wilkes

 

Craig Williamson

North Taranaki (2 positions)

Tama Blackburn

 

Mike Davey

 

Donald Hugh McIntyre

South Taranaki (2 positions)

Deborah Clough

 

Donna Cram

 

Alan Murray

 

Urs Signer

 

Neil William Walker

Stratford (1 position)

Mary Bourke

 

Alan Jamieson

 

Matthew McDonald

 

Andrew Wood

Taranaki Māori (1 position)

Bonita Bigham