As a result of extraordinary vacancies on the Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision) and the Tāneatua Community Board of Whakatāne District Council a by-election was held to fill the remaining vacancies.

Voting closed on  Friday, 17 February 2023.

Final Results 

Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision)

Alison Silcock has been elected to the Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision).

Tāneatua Community Board

As the number of candidates for the Tāneatua Community Board did not exceed the number of vacancies, the following candidates have been elected:

• Tash George
• Moana Mihimarino Stensness

Voting Document Returns

Total Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision) By-Election voting documents issued: 639

Electoral Donations and Expenses Returns

Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision)

• Maera Anderson - (PDF, 1.3 MB)
• Alison Silcock - (PDF, 1.7 MB)

Tāneatua Community Board

• Tash George - (PDF, 162 KB)
• Moana Mihimarino Stensness - (PDF, 235 KB)

Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision) Candidate Profiles - one vacancy

As there was more candidates for the Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision) than there were vacancies to be filled, an election was held between the listed candidates on Friday 17 February 2023, under the first past the post electoral system by postal vote.

The following candidates ran for the Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision) vacancy:

Maera Anderson

Read Maera Anderson's Candidate Profile Statement

My principal place of residence is not in the Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision) area.

Kia ora, my name is Maera Anderson, local of Murupara and from Waiōhau. I am a community minded person who is passionate about our community and surrounding districts.

Having served in the Fire Service for 33 years with the last 14 years as Chief Fire Officer and 3 years serving with Order of St. John, I also worked with schools and Early Childhood groups which shows my commitment and dedication.

My efforts were recognised in 2014 when I was nominated and won the Pride of New Zealand Award followed by New Zealander of the year in 2015. In 2018 I was bestowed the title of the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM).

I am standing for the Waiōhau/Galatea seat and will do my best to serve and push for the needs of our communities.

Alison Silcock

Alison Silcock's Candidate Profile Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Murupara Community Board (Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision) area.

I have lived in Galatea, with my husband Dave, for many years. We have 4 adult children. I have served as Councillor for the Galatea-Murupara Ward for 3 terms and was previously a co-opted member of the Murupara Community Board.

I look forward to continuing to represent, not only Waiohau and Galatea also the other communities within Murupara Community Board.

By-Elections Timetable

The timetable below outlines when key events will occur.