Your local candidates

My principal place of residence is in the Buller District Council area.

I have served as Mayor for the past six years and remain committed, passionate, and positive that my leadership style delivers results for our district. I have strong established relationships with central government Ministers, officials, MP’s and West Coast leaders and stakeholders.

Local government is fundamentally changing, now is a critical time for stable, established leadership that works collaboratively for positive long-term outcomes for Buller. Under my leadership, Council has secured external funding to drive growth— including new housing and income opportunities. We’ve delivered key projects in Reefton, upgraded Westport’s port, and invested in vital roading repairs in Northern Buller. We’ve significantly increased infrastructure investment to water and wastewater networks to future-proof our communities and unlock growth. I believe every part of our district matters and I’ve worked hard to represent all Buller communities.

With your support, I’ll continue leading a future-focused council committed to partnership, resilience, opportunity, and growth.

My principal place of residence is not in the Buller District Council area. I am also standing for Mayor for Grey DC, Nelson City, Westland DC, Tasman DC and Tasman DC - Lakes Murchison General Ward.

Multiple crises need new solutions. How bad does it have to get before we look beyond conventional reactions?

How many losses will you accept before we step up to this?

What’s the real root cause here? - the desperate need for money.

The Resource Based Economy, entirely beyond money, trade, currency or barter, immediately removes this primary driver of our societal dysfunction.

A Money Free New Zealand, where everything is voluntary and free, offers an exiting alternative to our current dystopian trajectory. Is it worth a look? Beyond accepting more of the same? Surely we’re capable of better. Are any other candidates offering anything new? We can take control again.

At www.moneyfreeparty.org.nz we’re advocating for near-term, achievable, practical and holistic 21st century solutions to ALL of today’s problems. Solutions with integrity. We owe it to future generations to think outside the box.

Lose-lose? Or WIN-WIN? Let’s start now.

My principal place of residence is in the Buller District Council area.

I was born and raised in the Buller and have lived, worked, and raised a family here. I’ve spent 45 years in business, leading projects and teams across NZ and internationally. I helped build NZ’s export coal business from the ground up, creating long-term value for Buller and the whole of the West Coast, and beyond. I understand how to get things done in complex environments and how to work with people to deliver results.

My leadership is based on listening, learning, and building strong teams. I know the Buller well and believe we can do better together.

I am standing for Mayor to serve the public, apply what I’ve learned, and help create a council that communicates openly, works practically, and puts the district and its people first. I offer a proven record of action, not promises, and I ask for your support so I can support you.

My principal place of residence is in the Buller District Council area. I am also standing for Inangahua Ward.

I bring experience and strong leadership skills to the table after serving the last three years as a Councillor and the Chair of the ICB. I’m an experienced teacher who works with youth, families and liaises with the wider community on a daily basis. I have great communication and organisational skills and I’m a team player.

As Mayor, my key areas of focus will be rates affordability and re-connecting with the community. At present, Council is not listening and I’m frustrated about that. Council has not been sufficiently community-driven. This has impacted our integrity. We need to get flood protection in place and focus on core infrastructure services.

Tough decisions will need to be made and I want to have true, two-way conversations with the community so we can come to a consensus together about what services we retain and what we can do without to make rates more affordable.

My principal place of residence is in the Inangahua Ward area.

I'm a fifth generation Bullerite with pioneering connections to Reefton, Charleston, Karamea and Westport. I returned to Reefton in 1978 to raise my family amongst great people with a good sense of community, having easy access to outdoor recreation and stunning natural landscapes with peace and quiet, leaving time to think.

I have always been actively involved in community. Progressive vibrant places don't happen by accident, they are created and fueled by people. Great places attract people who continue further improvement.
My community work has included Reefton Historic Trust, Reefton Inc, Reefton Visitors Centre, the Powerhouse reconstruction and the A&P Show among others.

My commitment is to enable development and growth, deliver key infrastructure affordably and work pro-actively with others. Communities succeed when we all work together.

My principal place of residence is in the Inangahua Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.

I have thoroughly enjoyed representing our community as a BDC Councillor for the last three years and also serving as the Chairperson on the Inangahua Community Board. I am a Reefton local who works and lives here with my husband and two children. I’m an experienced teacher who works with youth, families and liaises with the wider community on a daily basis.

I have great communication and organisational skills and I’m a team player. I am very community minded and always make the time to listen to what the community wants and try to meet their needs.

During my time on council I have always gone into debates with an open mind, asked difficult questions and challenged ideas that don’t sit well with me. This term I would like to focus more on rates affordability and the council re-connecting with the community.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

Kia ora, I’m Shayne Barry and I’m proud to call Carters Beach, Westport home. I’m standing for the BDC local body elections because I’m passionate about people, the environment, and our future. I have always worked alongside our community – supporting & advocating, for a more connected, resilient district.

As a former Buller District Councillor, I understand the responsibility and commitment required to serve our district well. I bring governance experience and strong community engagement skills to the role, alongside skills in people management, administration and marketing. My employment background is diverse but more recent roles include marketing manager for the Kawatiri Coastal Trail and Westport Flood Recovery Welfare Manager.

A graduate of the West Coast Governance Course, my current governance roles include Carters Beach Reserve Sub Committee Chair, Buller Resilience Trust Trustee and Promoting Buller Incorporated Treasurer. I’m committed to a strong, sustainable, and inclusive future for us all.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

West Coast born Buller resident Andrew Beaumont. Willing to listen to your issues and help with your problems. Fair, reasonable, open, and committed to ensuring the long term economic and social viability of Westport. Wanting to drive to a fair rating system for all of our district as I know people are struggling with the pressure of high rates. Seeking to support the resolution of flood protection for Westport and sea protection of places at risk.

A firm believer in the term Public Service, as your councillor I would be there by your vote, working for you. Having been running a business for a long time here, so I have a good understanding of the pressures and challenges of our economy and will strive to support economic growth for our district.

Your input and ideas will be welcomed and listened to by me.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

I am a passionate Bullerite having lived in Waimangaroa, Karamea, Charleston and now, for the past 10 years, in Westport.

I have worked as a teacher in various schools in Buller and am now, having reached retirement age, a part-time taxi driver and advertising salesperson. I have been active in a range of sporting and cultural organisations throughout the district over the past 25 years. I am a previous chair of the board of Buller REAP and was the acting manager at REAP during the Covid period.

I have taken a keen interest in Buller District Council affairs over the past few years. I regularly sit in on council meetings and have, on occasions, spoken to councillors in the public forum when I have been permitted to do so.

I believe the main job of councillors is to act in the best interests
of our community.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

Veronica de Friez; long term resident of Carters Beach, Screen Producer, Winston Churchill Fellow, and a passionate sportsperson. I’ve actively engaged in my community by volunteering for Citizens Advice, Creative NZ Community Funding, Carters Beach Hall & Reserve Sub-Committee and Buller Gorge Marathon. I’ve recently completed my Budget Services Mentor theory modules for BBAS
I’m passionate about becoming a dynamic and trustworthy BDC member by actively contributing to good governance, listening to and using my voice to help residents with concerns affecting their everyday lives.

I believe in open communication, collaboration and commonsense decision-making, for the greater good of the community now and into the future. I stand for fair and balanced long-term planning that includes advocating for safe, sustainable and affordable water services for all, mining royalities to become our reality, flood mitigation protecting all residents, and retaining free green waste drop-off and the PERC subsidy.

Together Buller will flourish.

My principal place of residence is in the WestportWard area.

I’m not standing to win a popularity contest. I’m standing because Buller needs action and Council governance needs a shake-up.

I’ve worked at Buller District Council, delivered infrastructure projects, and was involved in the 2021/2022 flood recovery. I’ve spent over 20 years delivering major infrastructure projects. I know how BDC works and where it’s gone wrong.

Council management have been managing upwards and controlling the narrative for too long, disempowering those elected to represent the community. That needs to stop. I’ll push for a reset of governance including rewriting the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct, reforming the Risk and Audit Committee, and rebalancing the relationship between governance and management.

I stood up as a whistleblower against BDC when it mattered and lost my job for it. I’m not promising to fix everything that’s Council management’s job. But I’ll work to reset the governance mindset so change can happen.

My principal place of residence is not in the Westport Ward area.

I am under no illusion that I will win a popularity contest for votes.
Running for council should never be about that. Nominees should never stand here and promise you lower rates, as it's an impossible promise to fill.

As an elected councillor, you are but one vote around a table of eleven.
Bullers infrastructure is aged it needs ripping out and replacing to ensure better services. This comes at significant cost, because we have small communities, minimal rating base to share that burden evenly amongst those who connect to those services.

My only promise I can make is to do the job you don't want to do. Take the flack that's dished out for doing it. Read the information packs and make the best decisions to move our town forward. Or we end up being in the same position decades further down the track.

My principal place of residence is not in the Westport Ward area.

For 50 years I have worked in Buller, farming, fishing, building, mining, possums, sphagnum, teaching, and helped establish the deer farming industry. My education in Biology helps me understand natural processes like rivers flooding and climate change. I can separate real science from fake science which is often used to rob honest people and enrich others with no need.

I am unhappy about the way Council spends money in non-essential ways. I am not scared to take action to push Council into a real world where every dollar counts. With modern technology and economies of scale Council rates should be going down. Council should not be blindly following the dictates of Central Government to expand their activities. Council should be protecting residents from unnecessary Central Government rules and regulations. I will not be shy about doing that if I am elected to Council. Frivolous spending needs to stop.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

Strong Leadership – Local Commitment – Real Results.

After 40 years serving in the New Zealand Army, I moved to Westport with my wife Debby to run two motels. We arrived during the town’s worst flood and were inspired by the strength and compassion of this community.

I’ve led in some of the world’s most challenging environments, with experience in crisis management, international peacekeeping, and combat operations. I’ve been recognised for leadership, innovative problem solving, and integrity by the military forces of NZ, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. Now, I want to serve Buller.

I believe we can move forward, without forcing steep rate increases, by using smart, united leadership and working together. Buller has the people, resources, and natural beauty to thrive.

With the right leadership, we can make it a great place to live, work, and visit. Let’s do this – together.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

Buller is on the radar. We’re being watched, not for how we’ve suffered but for how we respond. Change isn’t optional. It’s our chance to determine our future.

I want to see Buller become the most livable district in NZ, where children have the freedom of childhood, where people feel they belong, where opportunity exists, and where the community cares for its elders. Now more than ever, we need leaders who lean into complexity. Leaders who think critically. Leaders with the courage to make tough decisions and who communicate the reasons behind those decisions.

I bring governance experience at both local and national levels, a private-sector mindset, and firsthand knowledge of council operations. I’m standing to serve. I’m standing for the people who will live with the decisions we make today. I’m standing because I want people to look at our council and say, That’s what good governance looks like.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

In Putting my name forward for council, I do so with the intent to have council return our district to prosperity. A prosperity that sees rates affordable and spent wisely on the necessities like river protection working with Government to ensure we have the best possible health services, employment opportunities so our young people are not forced to leave hometowns.

I don't want to see pie in the eye expensive ideas like shifting the town and wasting millions on consultants when we have people with local knowledge and the answers to most problems.

The well-being of our people will be my major focus.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

Elect me to ensure ratepayers are treated fairly and council consultations are henceforth conducted in good faith.

I have attended all council community engagement processes throughout the district (past three years) and consulted positively with over 600 residents. The present form of local government is unsustainable, I want to work with government, from within council, to obtain vital change.

Also required:
A rates cap for three years;
Release of the forensic audit;
An audit of the (post 2021 flood) mayoral relief fund transactions;
An independent enquiry into the factors contributing to the 2021 flood;
Rejection of the coastal hazard zones until there is authentic evidence to justify them;
To stop spending on preparing an alternate town site;
Retain local control of three waters;
Revise planned loans to separate stormwater and wastewater;
A councillor to view every invoice paid by council.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

Having served three terms on Council prior to the last trimester I again offer myself for election. I do so in the belief I that I can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.

There can be no doubt that the past 3 years have been difficult for many in our communities. Buller is a relatively large but sparsely populated district with a relatively small ratepayer base. Consequently, we must pull together if we are to make progress while attempting to minimise the financial pain brought about by ever increasing rates.

I believe that the record will show that in my previous 3 terms on Council I worked collaboratively with my fellow councilors, was capable of making the hard calls while remaining empathetic to the concerns of those in this wonderful community that I am proud to call home.

If elected I will do so again.

My principal place of residence is in the Westport Ward area.

I’ve lived in Westport for nearly 20 years, with deep family roots on the Coast. My great uncle, Gordon Wylde, helped bring electricity to the Town of Light, and my father, Roy Wylde, served as Mayor of Runanga for 12 years. I’m proud to continue this legacy of community service.

My career spans underground mining, 15 years in the Police, 9 years in the Fire Service, and building a successful business before returning to surveying at Stockton. I bring with me a practical approach to problem-solving and strong work ethic.

I believe in Buller’s ability to solve its own challenges. If elected, I’ll bring fresh ears and a no-nonsense mindset. I’ll ask the hard questions: Is it broken? Is it needed? Can we do this ourselves?

It’s time to invest in local people and solutions that deliver real outcomes. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get it done.

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

I have lived in the Buller for over 30yrs, and Reefton for nearly 9. I am recently retired from Police. I am a member of the local Reefton Search and Rescue group and the local Civil Defence group, and I am in the process of joining the Reefton St John ambulance as a First Responder.

I am standing for the Inangahua Community Board as I believe it is an important part of our local democratic structure. I am open to hearing all perspectives, but I am prepared to take a position to ensure that the Inangahua ward can consolidate it's recent development.

I do spend about 3 months annually in Europe visiting family but would attend meetings remotely.

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

I, Alun Bollinger, am putting myself forward as a potential Inangahua Community Board member... again.

Having lived in this district for over 40 years I’m committed to doing my bit for our community, the community I love and care for.

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

I have lived in Reefton for all of my life and I feel that I have contributed to the life of Reefton district over the years in the lnangahua Silver Band, Sacred Heart Parish, and a variety of other organisations.

I feel that I am approachable and empathetic to the needs of the community and wish to take this further, if accepted for the lnangahua Community Board.

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

Gwen Gardner nee Blackadder, born in Reefton. Fourth Generation.
Ancesters came here in mid 1880's.

20 years in St Johns. 20 Years in Search and Rescue. 20 years in Victim Support.

I feel that with my lifetime of experience in serving others, my contribution to the lnangahua Commmunity Board would be both helpful and rewarding.

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

Originally growing up in Christchurch then studying in Otago and Melbourne, Nicky moved to Reefton in 2021 to enjoy the slower pace and rural West Coast lifestyle.

Nicky is a Veterinarian with 10 years clinical experience and works locally in the Buller/Grey region. Nicky enjoys being an active member of several community activities in Reefton including karate, running, biking, local track maintenance and also helping organize the A & P show. Nicky is also on the Reefton Land Search and Rescue committee and is a competent field team leader for searches.

With diverse understanding of local needs, both environmentally and inter-personally, Nicky looks forward to being actively involved with decisions in the Inangahua community.

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

I have been a resident of Reefton for approximately 13 years. During that time, I have become involved in the community and I am currently Chairperson (a volunteer position) of Who Care House.

I strongly advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, making Reefton a town where all individuals have a place and a voice.

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

The longer you live here, the longer it takes to walk down Broadway.

Ever since I moved to the Reefton area in 2014, I have found my above statement true because there are so many interesting, community-involved and friendly people here.

This place has thus inspired me to also become involved, in my case in the arts, music, theatre and with the local art gallery. So many things here that locals are involved in are very vibrant, which for a small town is amazing.

But a strong Community Board, ensuring that our needs and aspirations remain prominent at the council table in Westport, is needed with members committed to the Inangahua area.

My partner and I are committed here because we love it. With this in mind, I put my name forward.