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By-Election 2026

What is a by-election?

A by-election is an extra ordinary election to fill a vacant seat on Council or committee. The by-election is triggered when a position becomes vacant more than 12 months out from the next full election from either;

  • Not having enough nominations for a particular area
  • An elected member resigns with more than 12 months of the term remaining
  • An elected member dies with more than 12 months of the term remaining.

Following the resignation of Jamie Falloon from the Whakaoriori Masterton At Large seat, Masterton District Council will now be holding a by-election to fill this seat.

A by-election will follow the same format as the full election; however, our community will only be voting to fill the one vacant seat, not the entire council.

Who are we voting for and who is eligible to vote?

Voters in the by-election will be voting for the Whakaoriori Masterton At Large seat. Voting is open to everyone in the district, including those enrolled on the general roll and Māori roll.

Key Dates

Date

Activity

Status

Thursday 12 February

Nominations open for those wanting to stand for the seat

CLOSED

Thursday 12 March, 12 noon

Nominations close at 12 noon sharp for those wanting to stand for the seat

CLOSED

Monday 20 April

Voting opens, delivery of voter packs

CLOSED

Monday 18 May

Last day to post votes back

CLOSED

Friday 22 May, 12 noon

Voting closes at 12 noon sharp

CLOSED

Friday 22 May, 2pm

Progress results

Monday 25 May

Preliminary results

Tuesday 26 May

Final results announced and posted on the website.

Nominations Received

Name

Contact Email

Contact Phone

JACKSON, AJ Andrea (Advocacy, Leadership and Heart)

aj4mdc@outlook.com027 447 6884
RILEY, Lyn (Independent)

Lynriley5810@gmail.com022 605 5142
JOHNS, Richard

richjohns2026@gmail.com021 0800 0838
NIXON, Tina (Experience and Energy)

tina@cqr.co.nz027 223 2789
HART, John (Community Voice. Practical Solutions)

farmgeek@gmail.com027 438 4727
ENGEL, Phil (Truth)

phengel@xtra.co.nz021 144 0452

Meet Your Candidates

Use the accordion below to meet your candidates in the 2026 by-election. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, surname first.

Phil Engel Headshot

My principal residence is NOT within the Masterton District Council area.

Sick of arrogant Council bullies? Then I’m your man – a fair-minded farmer who enjoys confronting bullies! I recently defeated in Court five Constabullies who’d gang- tackled me for walking peacefully with my New Zealand flag in front of 300 people demanding unequal citizenship. (Like most Mastertonians – but unlike the 11 woke Councillors who voted for unequal citizenship – I just want equal citizenship.) Councils are typically run by a CEOs club pushing through a globalist-communist – and in New Zealand, tribalist – agenda. Elect me to push back! What I stand for: Councillors controlling Council. Itemised receipts (to afford weather bomb recovery). Cost-effective solutions to Town Hall and Hood Aerodrome sagas. Standing up to uncompliant developers.

What I won’t stand for: Waste. Maorification policies advantaging 1/6th over 5/6th. Infesting farmland with pine trees. 15 Minute Cities, Managed Retreat – solutions to fake problems designed to enslave and impoverish us. Phil the vacancy with Flagbearer Phil!

Contact Details

phengel@xtra.co.nz

021 144 0452

John Hart Headshot

My principal residence is within the Masterton District Council area.

My family and I have lived in rural Masterton for almost 20 years. I care deeply about the future of both our town and the wider district. I’ve been involved in a range of community initiatives across the Wairarapa, working with farmers, community groups and council to turn good ideas into practical action. I previously chaired MDC’s Climate Advisory Group, and in my day job I support rural communities. Recent debate about the removal of mature trees on Queen Street shows how strongly people care about the character and future of our town. It also highlights the importance of early and meaningful engagement with the community.

Looking ahead, I want Masterton to be resilient for the future through practical and balanced decisions about infrastructure and growth. Masterton is a great place to live, and by making good decisions together we can ensure it stays that way for generations to come.

Contact Details

farmgeek@gmail.com

027 438 4727

Andrea Jackson Headshot

My principal residence is within the Masterton District Council area.

I am proud to call Masterton home and am passionate about serving our community. I am committed to strengthening the relationship between Council and residents, ensuring every voice is heard and respected. Balancing priorities while keeping rates affordable is an ongoing challenge. I will ask the tough questions and advocate for best value for ratepayers. My focus is on well-planned infrastructure that supports sustainable growth, alongside the social, cultural, and environmental investments that help our community thrive. Core infrastructure is essential, but so too are the community assets that foster connection, wellbeing, and opportunity.

With extensive local government experience and expertise in asset and financial management, I bring strong governance capability, including completing the Institute of Directors’ residential programme and serving on community boards. I offer Advocacy, Leadership & Heart, a clear and practical vision for Masterton’s future.

Contact Details

aj4mdc@outlook.com

027 447 6884

Richard Johns Headshot

My principal residence is within the Masterton District Council area.

Strong rural representation and responsible spending are why I’m standing in this by-election. As rural controller for the Wainuioru Volunteer Fire Brigade, being the inaugural chairman of both my local catchment group and the Wairarapa Catchment Collective, I regularly see challenges our community face and the strength that comes from people working together to solve local problems. Being involved in these entities has given me great insight to what is required when working with funders and people with a common interest, not to mention great communication and governance experiences.

The skills developed here would help me transfer well to representing ratepayers on council. As the owner operator of a farming business, I understand the importance of careful financial management and how to care for the environment in a sustainable way. A combination of this and my community contributions, places me well to make informed decisions on council matters

.

Contact Details

richjohns2026@gmail.com

021 0800 0838

Tina Nixon Headshot

My principal residence is within the Masterton District Council area.

As a former Masterton councillor, current RMA Hearings Commissioner, and experienced governor and strategist, I have the experience to contribute from day one. The Wairarapa is entering a period of significant change. If we move to an amalgamated Wairarapa council, we must ensure it’s efficient, focused, and guided by a clear vision and practical plan to grow our regional economy. When the Wairarapa does well, Masterton thrives. I believe in sticking to the basics, focusing on essentials first, clearing backlogs of deferred maintenance and making better use of the assets we have.

Major projects, like a new town hall, should only proceed when they are genuinely affordable or fully externally funded. As a grandmother, I care deeply about the future of our region. My decisions will be guided by a simple goal: building a Wairarapa my grandchildren, and all our young people will always be proud to call home.

Contact Details

tina@cqr.co.nz

027 223 2789

Lyn Riley Headshot

My principal residence is within the Masterton District Council area.

Independent judgement. Proven experience. Respect for ratepayers. I, Lyn Riley, am standing for Council because Masterton deserves steady, experienced governance — grounded in respect for ratepayers, residents, and every dollar Council receives. With 40 years of government service and strong community involvement, I bring experience in governance, accountability, and responsible financial management. Decisions must deliver real value for money and long-term benefits for both urban and rural communities across our district. A proud Wairarapa College alumna, I have invested deeply in local community projects and initiatives.

Having owned and operated businesses, I bring practical management experience, financial discipline, alongside a fresh perspective and strong work ethic. I stand for common sense, challenge unnecessary spending, and work to protect and strengthen the community we all value. I also have the time, energy, and commitment to give this role 110% it deserves. Lyn Riley — Respect for Ratepayers. Responsible Decisions. Real Accountability.

Contact Details

Lynriley5810@gmail.com

022 605 5142

Where and how to vote

Voting will open Monday 20 April. You will receive your voting pack in the post on or before this date.

You can post your vote in:

  • any postbox in the enclosed envelope before Monday 18 May
  • one of the orange bins located around Masterton by 12pm noon Friday 22 May.

If you don’t receive your voting papers in the mail, or have lost or damaged them, you can come and cast a special vote during the voting period at Waiata House, 27 Lincoln Road, Masterton, 5810 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Late night voting will be available at Waiata House until 7pm on Tuesday 19 May, and Thursday 21 May.

See the voting locations >

Election Returns

See how many votes have been returned on the election.nz website.

Find out more about your current Councillors
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