Candidates for Council At Large

Hi, I’m Jamie Falloon — a farmer from Bideford.

I’m standing for Masterton District Council for a place around the table of Council At Large.

I’m standing because there is a lack of financial accountability and expertise around the Council table.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

Masterton has had a 25% rate increase over the last three years.

This is way too high, and I don’t accept that they've tried hard enough to reduce this.

I will make rates affordable by asking the tough questions of staff around expenditure and focusing on areas of wasteful spending which we’ve all seen examples of.

Masterton must get more from less rates, and find practical savings that make Masterton an affordable place to live in and a great place to come to.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

I am the right person for the role of councillor.

I run a farming business and have been a board member of multiple boards, so I understand financials and governance, and how to focus on reducing costs and making money.

How to run a balanced budget rather than just spending and borrowing more.

I have experience with roading, water policy and bad government regulation.

And I’m not afraid to say: no, this is not good enough — come back with something more practical and affordable.

[On-screen text: What’s the biggest challenge facing Masterton?]

The biggest challenge facing Masterton is out-of-control spending and a lack of focus on rates affordability.

We don’t need to cap rate increases, we need to reduce rates.

Local Water Done Well is a good example — a rushed process that will add more cost to water-users and ratepayers without taking a pause and saying we can’t afford this.

A flip-flop lack of leadership around amalgamation of the three councils and Greater Wellington.

It must happen, but must reduce overall rates, not cost more in rates.

Remember, tick Vote Falloon — Masterton District Councillor At Large.

My name is Tony Hargood and it’s a great honour to stand for the Masterton District Council as an At Large candidate.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

First and foremost we need a united Masterton District Council focusing on the ratepayers, the community and the long-term future.

A cohesive Council will achieve so much more.

We need to get on top of our debt being forecast by 2028.

The pre-election report: Debt $100m plus.

Interest alone in 2028 is $6m.

My question is why?

Debt is debt and someone has to pay for it.

Being debt-laden for many years to come is just not aspirational at all.

We should not just accept rate increases each year as the norm.

On top of this I will strongly advocate for our sporting clubs, our arts, tourism and projects which increase our economic growth.

Amalgamation is both sensible and logical.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

Masterton and the Wairarapa is in my blood. Born and bred.

I have a very strong business background with 11 years as a Chief Executive.

[On-screen text: What’s the biggest challenge facing Masterton?]

I do not believe we should focus on the challenges. We need to focus on the opportunities without burdening the ratepayers.

If elected, expect a very different approach to how we debate and make decisions.

Thank you.

Hi, I’m Jo Hayes, former Council Iwi representative, and I’m standing for the At Large Ward.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

I focus on three areas key to Council work: infrastructure, growth and economic development.

Infrastructure is vital. We need reliable access in and out of Masterton by road, rail or air.

We must also be water-resilient. That means secure access to fresh potable water, effective stormwater systems, safe sewage systems, and strong underground pipes – so when you turn on the tap or flush the toilet, everything works, even after a heavy downpour.

Next is growth. The 2023 Census told us our population had grown by 20% – and it’s still growing today.

More people means we need more homes, and that means a larger ratepayer base. Now that’s got to be good news.

And finally, economic development. Our agriculture sector remains strong. We now need to get in behind our small and medium businesses so they can thrive too.

With a strong economy we can do so much more.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

So back me. I’m putting community first, and that includes our Māori Ward.

I have vision, I keep myself informed, I’m unafraid to make hard calls, and I listen.

My name is David Holmes and I am standing in the At Large Ward.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

Masterton’s growing population, commercial businesses, forestry and farming are leading the way.

By purchasing more land at Kaituna adjacent to the water treatment plant, Council has committed Masterton to more water security.

Council has allocated money for this project, and I’ll ensure this happens to provide Masterton, Memorial and Henley Lakes with consistent water in summer, with no more restrictions.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

I am Regional Chair of the Wairarapa Water Resilience Governance Group, and water storage is my priority.

Amalgamation will happen. It is better for us to take this process forward under our own terms and not be told by the Government.

We need to work on a more equitable rate structure, especially the rural roading rate where we have heavy trucks competing with our day-to-day community.

My experience on the Ruamāhanga Whaitua and many river and farming community associations has given me invaluable knowledge to help take Masterton forward.

[On-screen text: What’s the biggest challenge facing Masterton?]

Masterton’s challenge will be keeping up with infrastructure and services. We need to encourage business here, not chase it away.

I have been a committed councillor for some time. I give the role 100%. It’s not just a Wednesday job.

I am always accessible and have helped many people solve their problems.

Hi, my name is Drew Hullah and I’m running as a Councillor for the Masterton District Council.

I was born in Hastings but I’ve lived in Masterton since I was four years old.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

My work experience is as a Stock Manager for McDonald’s Masterton, so I’m used to sticking to set budgets.

Being a manager there has also given me experience running a team of people and working under pressure.

So transferring those skills towards the Council won’t be difficult.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

I’m running because I believe that there should be more youthful voices involved in local government, especially since we are doing a lot of long-term planning.

[On-screen text: What’s the biggest challenge facing Masterton?]

I believe that one of the issues that we will be facing is investment in local infrastructure, such as car parking in the Masterton CBD, and we may look into more options into traffic decongestion.

Thank you.

Kia ora, I’m Stella Lennox, and I’m standing for Mayor and Council – At Large Ward.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

As Mayor, my first priority will be bringing the new Council together as a strong, cohesive team.

The early weeks set the tone for the next three years, so we must build trust, clarity and a shared purpose from the start.

I’ll ensure we set a clear vision for Masterton, agree on priorities, and make sure every councillor knows their role.

A united Council means better decisions, stronger advocacy and faster results.

We need to focus on smarter spending and revenue growth by finding efficiencies and investigating investment opportunities for our ratepayers.

We need to keep the foot on the pedal around water storage and resilience. This is imperative for our district’s sustainability and growth.

And, looking at fairer roading rates for rural ratepayers – especially in high-impact areas like forestry.

Whilst working towards a unified region is a conversation we need to have early in the new term with our neighbouring councils.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

I’m a proven doer. With business ownership and experience in construction, marketing and management, I have skills and experience for the job.

I’ve led high-performing teams and a very successful board at Lakeview School.

As a current elected councillor, I’m ready to get stuck in. I bring fresh energy, practical experience and a track record of delivering results.

[On-screen text: What’s the biggest challenge facing Masterton?]

Water resilience and rates affordability yes, they are big. I get it. But who represents our community around the table is just as big.

We need a diverse, progressive Council with varied skills and experience, so please get out and vote this election.

Kia ora, I’m Hayden Mischefski, standing for Masterton District Council.

I stand for building a strong, resilient, and future-focused Masterton.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

My top priorities are clear: invest in smart infrastructure, protect our natural environment, and make Masterton a great place to live, work, and play.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

I’m right for the role because I bring proven leadership, governance, and a problem-solving mindset.

[On-screen text: What’s the biggest challenge facing Masterton?]

The biggest challenge facing Masterton is keeping it affordable while managing growth — and I am ready to lead that change.

Kia ora, I’m Chris Peterson, standing At Large.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

Reputable global surveys show that 80 to 90 percent of people, the world over, believe in human-caused climate change and want their governments and councils to do more about it.

Climate change and the associated risks to our environment with the “polycrisis” is what keeps me awake at night.

So I decided that instead of reading and worrying about it at home, I should try and do something to encourage the uptake of climate adaptation actions in my community.

This is not all about doom and gloom. There will be opportunities, new jobs and better lives everywhere in that unavoidable transition to a low-carbon economy.

Particularly so in communities that are on to it and have entrepreneurial, future-focused leadership from Council.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

I was on Council for some 25 years, so know how it runs and can be relied upon to make sensible decisions on those contentious matters that are the everyday stuff of a Council – the Town Hall, Three Waters, amalgamation matters.

[On-screen text: What’s the biggest challenge facing Masterton?]

I’d like to also nudge the Council to look into things like planting more trees in town to offset the heat island effect, putting solar panels on the roof of the Rec Centre, daylighting streams, rewilding some parks and public land, and supporting the electrification of everything – as Queenstown Council are doing.

That would certainly help families cope with the cost of living crisis.

So that’s me. Thank you.