2026 By-Elections: Murupara Community Board - Galatea-Waiohau Subdivision and Tāneatua Community Board

My principal place of residence is in the Taneatua Community Board area.

Kia ora, I’m Angela Rota (Angie). In 2023, my husband Tui and I moved to Waimana from Tāmaki Makaurau to reconnect with whānau and community. I’m a proud wife, mum to five adult children, and nana to seven mokopuna — with another due in February 2026.

My career spans leadership roles in Telecommunications, Aviation, Food & Beverage, and Security. Currently, I’m National Field Manager for Hato Hone St John. I bring governance and HR expertise, having served three years on a Board of Directors creating pathways for rangatahi, and as a kura board member. These experiences equip me to be the eyes and ears of our community.

Life hasn’t been all boardrooms — I’ve shaved my head (and my whānau’s!) raising $95k for Leukaemia, ridden motorbikes, and even tried farm life. I stand for kotahitanga, strong representation, and a future shaped by our people.

My principal place of residence is in the Taneatua Community Board area.

My name is Kerry Gosling and I’ve lived in the Whakatāne area for many years, with 30 in the Tāneatua area. A special place, from coast to rural with native trees, rivers and wetlands. I love the environment and am hugely people‑focused, practical and realistic. I live on a small lifestyle block surrounded by bush, birds and stream, I feel extremely fortunate. I am Pākehā proudly living in respect of Te Tiriti.

I raised a family of four, taught, coached gymnastics, and know the reality of managing work and family life. Some may know me from teaching, or running our native tree nursery with my husband Derek.

After 20 years with Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, I am now part‑time Senior Community Engagement Advisor — people and environment focused. I value open, honest, solutions‑focused conversations and hope to provide balance to the Tāneatua Community Board.

My principal place of residence is not in the Taneatua Community Board area.

My name is Ozgur Jahn, Owner of Ataturk Cafe. I’m committed to supporting and contributing to the Taneatua community. With your trust and support, I hope to make a positive difference for our community.

My principal place of residence is in the Taneatua Community Board area.

I’m a local mum of 3, raising our family in Wainui while volunteering with their Playcentre. I have a Masters in Education from Massey University and 15 years’ experience in international community development and humanitarian response. Having worked all over the Pacific and with the NZ government and UN, I bring strong analytical and strategic planning skills to local governance.

Over the past 10 years, I have served on the boards of national and local charities, including Child Alert NZ, The Clothing Project, and Volunteering Bay of Plenty. My professional work includes assessing grant applications, designing community projects, and ensuring transparency for major international donors — skills directly transferable to serving our community board. I’m passionate about our community and helping ensure it remains an incredible place for our tamariki to grow up in.

My principal place of residence is in the Taneatua Community Board area.

I am standing for the Tāneatua Community Board because I believe our community deserves a stronger voice at decision‑making tables. I am passionate about ensuring our hāpori is heard, represented and kept informed through open & transparent engagement.

I bring governance experience and strong community connections to the table, which keeps me grounded in local priorities and accountable to our people. My focus is on improving transparency, supporting rangatahi opportunities, protecting our taiao and strengthening connections between our council & our community.

My principal place of residence is in the Taneatua Community Board area.

Tēnā koutou katoa. I am a Tāneatua local and am committed to my community. I am a co‑founder of the Tāneatua Community Gardens (Amokura Street) and a past chairman and active member of the Tāneatua Bowling & Sports Club.

I am here to support the dreams and aspirations of our community. I am a teacher and I believe that together we can make a change for the good in our community.

Nāku noa, Phillipa Mason.

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

Kia ora, my name is Karen Isemonger-Rameka. I’ve lived in Galatea/Kahuwaea since ’97, and let’s just say I love this little valley. I run a boxing gym out of the rugby club. I have always been active in the community—treasurer on many clubs, like the memorial club & playcentre, and currently the rugby club. I have also been active in the community garden (maara kai) initiatives from the beginning. I have run workshops on beeswax wraps and apple cider vinegar.

I also ran the successful Galatea Market for the 3 years it was running and was thankful for the funding from the community board.

I want to bring a fresh face to the community board and reconnect our rōpū. Connection is vital for our small area to thrive.

I can’t wait to lead where I live!

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

Kia ora, my name is Alicia Oliver. I’ve been part of the Galatea community for over 12 years and enjoy contributing wherever I can. I have served on the Galatea Playcentre Committee and the Galatea GSSG in the past, and I’m active in local homeschool groups, supporting the learning of three of my four children.

I also have a background in science, having completed several papers towards a BSc in Biosecurity. I’m passionate about giving back to the community of Te Ika Whenua and bringing a mix of practical experience, curiosity and a collaborative spirit to any project.

Connecting with others, learning together and making a positive difference are all part of what drives me.

I look forward to supporting initiatives that strengthen and enrich our community.