It’s time to vote for the Regional Council’s decision makers

There are 19 candidates standing for Taranaki Regional Council in four constituencies and voters have until 12 noon on 11 October to make their choice and pick who will shape the region for the next three years. 

The Council’s mission is to protect the environment and its work programmes include freshwater management, flood protection, biodiversity and biosecurity, caring for three regional gardens, providing public transport and owning Port Taranaki and Stadium Taranaki.  

Chief Executive Steve Ruru urged voters to get to know who is standing via taranakirc.nz/candidates or read the information booklet which comes with their voting documents, so they know what the 19 candidates stand for.  

“There are some major decisions to be made over the next three years around the Council table so it’s vital we get as many people taking part in the elections as possible and residents know who they are voting for,” says Mr Ruru.  

"By having your say and casting your vote, you’ll be picking the people representing you and making the calls about where your rates money should be spent and what our priorities for taking the region forward should be. 

“We’ve seen voter turnout falling over many elections and we would be delighted to see that trend reverse as we want all voters to engage with the democratic process and make their voice heard.” 

As well as voting for candidates across 10 seats in New Plymouth, North Taranaki, Stratford and South Taranaki, a referendum is also being held on whether to retain the Taranaki Māori Constituency, which was brought in in 2022.  

Under the Local Government Amendment Act 2024, the Council is required to hold a binding referendum alongside the election on whether to continue with a Māori constituency in subsequent elections.      

Bonita Bigham was the only candidate standing for the Taranaki Māori constituency at this year’s local elections and has been elected unopposed.  

The 19 candidates standing for election are: 

New Plymouth (five vacancies):  
Tom Cloke, Craig Foltz, Susan Hughes, Louise James, Rusty Kane, John Maxwell, Nicola Ngarewa, Craig Williamson and Jonathan Young. 

North Taranaki (two vacancies): 
Tama Blackburn, Mike Davey, Leedom Gibbs, Lee Kennedy and Chris Wilkes.  

South Taranaki (two vacancies):  
Donna Cram, Urs Signer and Neil Walker. 

Stratford (one vacancy): 
Brendan Attrill and Alan Jamieson. 

The Council uses the first past the post electoral system so those candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected.  

For those not yet enrolled and who did not receive voting documents in the post, they can cast a special vote at the New Plymouth, Stratford or South Taranaki district council offices or call Election Services on 0800 922 822 or email specialvotes@electionservices.co.nz for a special vote to be posted out.  

“There’s still time if you haven’t enrolled to put in a special vote so if you’ve just moved house or are new to the area, you can still take part,” added Mr Ruru.  

“A person can apply to enrol as either a residential or ratepayer elector right up to and including Friday, 10 October – the day before the close of voting.”