The 2025 local body elections are starting to get sorted as more individuals – current incumbents and wannabies – announce their plans.
Or drop hints … the official nomination window doesn’t open until 4 July and carries through til 1 August.
Here are some of the names we’ve heard recently (? means rumour).
For HDC: Jacqueline Supra and Derek Nowell-Usticke (running under a ‘ CARE for Hastings’ banner), Michael Fowler, Rizwanna Latiff, Nick Ratcliffe, Lucie-Jane McElwee, Bevan O’Connor, Yvonne Lorkin?, Henare O’Keefe?, and Wendy Schollum (announcing for mayor on 24 June).
For HBRC: Tony Kuklinski, Thompson Hokianga, Sophie Siers, Hayley Browne, Jock Macintosh, Neil Kirton, Hinewai Ormsby, Jerf van Beek, Bruce McKay?, Paul Bailey?
With incumbents retiring from each council, there are plenty of open seats that will surely attract new faces as July unfolds.
Biggest turnovers will occur at HBRC, with Xan Harding, Will Foley and Martin Williams not re-standing. And at HDC, with Sandra Hazlehurst, Tania Kerr, Malcolm Dixon, Ana Apatu not re-standing and Eileen Lawson’s seat already vacant.
Have we overlooked anyone ready to declare at this point? Let us know at [email protected]
Speaking of rumours Tom, could Jacqueline Supra and Derek Nowell-Usticke (running under a ‘ CARE for Hastings’ banner) address the oft-repeated assertion I have heard from multiple sources in Hawke’s Bay and Wellington that they have connections with the Act Party and that Care for Hastings yellow banner is really an Act Party front.
well, that would take the “care” out of CARE… which otherwise stands for what, exactly?
Citizens Against Rates Excesses
Hi so its a shame so many colours are associated with political parties. Are there any left?
I myself have a green banner but am independent. I care for our environment but thats are far as that goes.
I am only running for Mayor because rate rises are out of control and need to be pegged to the CPI. This can be achieved through reducing consultants, wasteful spending and trophy project wants, while sticking to their infrastructure and core services.
Karma Police.
Hi Neill,
Just to clarify, I’m not a member of the ACT Party, so I’d appreciate it if that could be corrected going forward.
Regarding the colour choice — we simply wanted something that stands out.
Thanks for your comments, and for giving me the chance to set the record straight.
Kia ora Jacqueline. As per my comment above, what multiple people have told me is that you, Derek and CARE for Hastings have links with the Act Party. It’s fine if you do and I’m sure you’re wanting to be up front with voters. You say you are not a current member but that doesn’t answer the question. Do you and Derek have links with Act or not? Please do set the record straight.
That’s interesting to read that ACT is possibly entering local politics.
So far only one officially named ACT candidate, James Ebbett standing for CHB District Council.
Since posting my question to Jacqueline Supra and Derek Nowell-Usticke, more people have contacted me asserting that ‘Care for Hastings’ is an Act Party front. It’s widely believed so if Jaki and Derek don’t have Act Party links they should say so. It’s an inauspicious start if candidates cancel their political party membership to hide their allegiances from voters. Any candidate should be up front about their values and the support or funding they’re receiving from parties or lobby groups. People should know who they’re voting for.
CARE for Hastings stands for Citizens Against Rates Excesses. This is the banner Jaki Supra and Derek Nowell-Usticke are standing under.
Their focus seems pretty clear: back to basics, cut waste, no frills, repay debt.
While the ACT Party has announced intentions to stand candidates in local elections, to the best of my knowledge, they have not yet named any nominees for Hastings District Council (HDC).