The Whakatāne District Council elections are heating up with a strong field of candidates stepping up to shape the future of local leadership.
With nominations now officially confirmed by Election Services, voters across the district will have genuine choices across nearly all positions - including six contenders for the mayoralty and contested races across most wards and community boards.
“Six candidates for mayor shows strong community interest in local leadership,” said Chief Executive, Steven Perdia.
“Some things are worth standing for, and your community is one of them. These individuals are stepping up because they believe in making a real difference to the future of our district.”
The confirmed mayoral candidates are Andrew Iles, Mark Inman, Philip Jacobs, Wilson James, Victor Luca, and Nándor Tanczos.
But the action goes well beyond the mayoral race.
The Whakatāne-Ōhope General Ward has drawn particular interest, with seven candidates contesting four council positions - Chris Barnard, Carolyn Hamill, Brendan Horan, Lesley Immink, Julie Jukes, Dave Stewart, and Malcolm Whitaker.
Meanwhile, all three Māori wards feature contested elections.
In the Kāpū-te-rangi Māori Ward, Toni Boynton and Hiria Wallace are standing. The Rangitāiki Māori Ward has Tu O'Brien and Rihi Vercoe go head-to-head, while Toi ki Uta Māori Ward features Glenn McGahan against Jesse Morgan-Ranui.
At the community boards level, the Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board has eight candidates standing for six positions - Linda Bonne, Sasha Cessford, Christopher Howard, Quin Kingi, Douglas McLean, Tim Proot, Rosemary Sloman, and Sue Whale.
While the Rangitāiki Community Board has seven candidates competing for six positions - Stephanie Bonner, Heemi Brown, Bill Clark, Bruce Evans, Peter Flowerday, Storm Hale, and Stu McHardy.
"From the parks we play in to the water from our taps, local decisions shape everyday life," said Mr Perdia.
"This election proves people are ready to roll up their sleeves and engage in the conversations that matter. Whether as candidates or voters - when our community participates, democracy wins."
Some candidates have been elected unopposed. Gavin Dennis, Wilson James and Andrew Iles have been elected as Councillors, with Iles and James also contesting the mayoralty.
All Murupara Community Board subdivisions were uncontested, with Jesse Morgan-Ranui and Alison Silcock elected for Galatea-Waiōhau subdivision; Weku Kereopa, Karito Paul and Irma Prentice for Murupara subdivision; and Mere Honeycombe for Te Urewera subdivision.
The Tāneatua Community Board received only three nominations for six positions. Talei Bryant, Shane Page, and Vinoop Xaviour have been declared elected, and a by-election will be held on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 to fill the remaining three positions.
Deputy Electoral Officer Chirese Viljoen said the nomination response exceeded expectations.
"We received 46 nominations in total, with 21 submitted in the final 24 hours - 13 of those arriving on Friday alone,” she said
“You can imagine the pressure on both the candidates rushing to meet the deadline, and our governance team processing everything on time. We’re thrilled to see competitive races across much of the district. The energy and engagement this triennium is fantastic.”
Ms Viljoen noted a strong balance of experience and new perspectives.
“Twenty-two current elected members are seeking re-election or stepping into new roles, while 21 candidates are new to elected office, including 19 first-time contenders and two who previously stood in the 2022 elections.”
Alongside the candidate elections, voters will also be asked to vote to keep or remove Māori wards for future elec
tions. While the three current Māori wards will remain in place for 2025 regardless, the outcome of the poll will determine whether they are retained for the 2028 and 2031 local elections.
Mr Perdia emphasised the power in every vote.
"Voting is simple, the impact is significant. What matters to you should matter at Council - make sure it does by casting your vote."
"These elections determine representation for the next three years. This is your moment to shape the direction of our communities. There is no place like home and no voice like yours to shape it."
Key election information
• Voting papers delivered via post to letterboxes from Tuesday, 9 September 2025
• Election day: Saturday, 11 October 2025 (voting closes 12pm noon)
• Voting method: Postal voting with ballot and voting boxes available
• Ballot box locations: Council offices, libraries across the district
• Mobile voting box locations: See Council website for locations across the district
• Special votes: Available at council offices until election day
For more information about the 2025 elections and to find out how to vote, visit www.whakatane.govt.nz/standforsomething