Candidates for the Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward

My name is Craig Bowyer.

I am standing for Mayor of Masterton, and for Council in the General Ward of Masterton District for this upcoming election.

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My top priorities are: providing better core services and ensuring rates are held at an affordable level, along with progressing large raw water storage on land already owned by Council.

Amalgamation of the three Wairarapa councils needs to be back on the table, along with a unitary authority, so we decide our future, not Greater Wellington Regional Council.

We need to work alongside developers, urban and rural business owners to turn not only the town centre into a vibrant bustling area, but to promote and grow all the district and region into a prosperous thriving community.

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I am the person to lead this, with one term on Council and over twenty-five years of business experience. I have built on these learnings by completing the Institute of Directors' Company Directors Course, become an accredited Resource Management Act commissioner, while also sitting on the Combined District Plan Hearings Panel.

All of these have given me insight into the issues that stop good governance.

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I believe one of the biggest challenges ahead is balancing the needs and the wants of our community.

When hard decisions are to be made, these need to be communicated clearly, so that people understand the why behind them.

For better decision making, Vote Bowyer – Vote for better times ahead.

Thank you.

I’m Gary Caffell and I’m standing as a councillor in the General Ward.

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Establishing the policies which recognise the rapid growth of our population base, while always being mindful of keeping costs to manageable proportions.

Standing still is not an option for me.

I would also like to see a serious conversation on amalgamation with our neighbouring councils.

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The experience of five terms on Council, the last three years as Mayor, will be crucial as we deal with government reforms under Local Water Done Well and the Resource Management Act.

These are complex, complicated pieces of legislation which will require the bold leadership which comes from experience.

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Having an increasing population is great, but it does provide challenges when it comes to providing essential services.

We need to make sure we have strategies in place which will enable us to cope well with that growth.

I’m Brent Goodwin and I’m standing for the General Ward.

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Minimising unnecessary and excessive rates increases.

I strive for Council to do better with the basics – water, roads, footpaths.

Too much Council effort and money is spent on nice-to-haves at the expense of the basics.

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I concentrate on the essentials and I’m not shy in attacking what I perceive to be frivolous or unnecessary expenses.

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In the near future, much higher water bills are going to impact on our lower-valued housing.

We’re underspending significantly on our roads and footpaths. Somewhere between $1.5M and $5M per year.

Amalgamation talks are looming.

It’s not the time to be trying to spend $25 million on a Town Hall when there’s one 15 minutes down the road.

It’s also not the time to be looking at expanding Waiata House for the staff.

Both Local Waters Done Well and amalgamation should lead to less staff requirements.

These are Masterton’s challenges.

Mine are getting the majority of the councillors who agree with some of these positions.

We need more leadership, and less cheerleaders.

My name is Rob Harvey.

I’m standing for the Masterton District Council General Ward.

I run a service and retail business here in Masterton.

Every day I deal with unique problems, work out practical solutions, lead a team to get the job done, and explain to customers why our approach is the best value for them.

That’s what Council work should be — solving problems efficiently and communicating honestly.

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My top priority is making sure Council delivers core services for the best value, and keeping rate rises from outstripping household incomes.

We must spend wisely, focus on essentials, and keep ratepayer money circulating in our local economy.

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I’m not here because I want a political career. I’m here because I believe Council works best when the community is involved and feels a sense of responsibility for our shared future.

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The biggest challenge facing Masterton is a Council that doesn’t always meet its core responsibilities — and that’s something we can fix.

If we get the basics right and support local business, we strengthen the whole community, close the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’, and make Masterton a place where everyone has a stake in our shared success.

Kia ora, I’m AJ — Andrea Jackson — standing for Masterton District Council General Ward because I care deeply about the people in this place we call home.

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My three key priorities are smart spending, growing revenue and building strong communities.

Smart spending means I’ll ask the tough questions to ensure value for money for our ratepayers and our community — prioritising what works and focusing on long-term value.

Growing revenue, enhancing strategic partnerships, unlocking new funding streams and supporting local business to build a resilient local economy.

And building communities means investing in spaces, places and initiatives that create healthy, connected and happy communities.

What I bring? I bring leadership, advocacy and heart.

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I’m proud to have worked in local government.

I’ve seen first-hand how the system works, how decisions are made and how we can work better.

That’s why I’m standing for this election.

I bring real-world experience, practical solutions and a fresh perspective to the table.

I know how councils operates — and I know how to get things done.

I care deeply about this community, and I’m committed to representing your voice around the decision-making table.

If you want someone who understands the system and is ready to improve it — someone who leads with purpose and heart — I’d be honoured to receive your vote.

Ngā mihi nui, AJ.

Hi, my name is Bex Johnson. I am standing for the Mayoralty and General Ward for Masterton District Council.

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My top priorities are:

• improving and developing our infrastructure to support growth,
• enhancing and maintaining our community spaces and places,
• improving our water storage and water resilience, and
• supporting economic development to attract more people to Masterton.

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As a three-term councillor and current Deputy Mayor I bring expertise, experience and energy to the table.

My strong and positive working relationships with our community, and Masterton District Council staff and stakeholders, positions me to lead Masterton positively from Day 1.

I can hit the ground running and keep the momentum going.

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The biggest challenge for Masterton is to grow our economy. To ease the financial burden on our residents and ratepayers we need more residents, more visitors and more business investment.

By growing our economy, we will improve the lives of our community.

Council needs to roll out the red carpet, not the red tape, to get more people moving to Masterton, and to get Masterton moving.

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Gail Marshall taku ingoa.

I am standing in this election to bring a fresh and Christian voice to the Council.

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Focus areas for me are: mental health and addiction issues, caring for the elderly, ethnic group consultation, our local education system, protection of our unique environment, the high rates and rental costs, small business issues, and local groups who raise money for charity.

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As a local principal for 20 years, I have developed effective management skills and an understanding of governance.

As a member of a Māori Lands Trust, and through teaching, I understand the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how the partnership affects all of us.

I have the experience to represent a wide range of people in our community.

I am not afraid to participate in difficult conversations and to be accountable for any decisions made.

I am future-focused and will actively seek opportunities to enhance the economic growth of our community.

Kia ora, I’m Henriette Nagel, standing for Masterton General Ward.

I’ve called Wairarapa home since 2014 and, as a mother of two born here, I’m passionate about helping families and immigrant communities to thrive.

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Supporting working families by creating better job opportunities and fostering local growth.

Championing migrant communities and ensuring Masterton is a welcoming home for all.

Creating opportunities for our youth to succeed and helping families thrive.

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I bring over 10 years of experience in project, programme and portfolio management working across both local councils and central government.

This has given me a deep understanding of how decisions impact our communities and how to deliver projects that truly benefit residents.

Combined with my experience in local charities, schools and community initiatives, I’m ready to use my experience, insight and dedication to make Masterton stronger.

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The biggest challenge for Masterton is supporting families and our community through rising costs, including rates.

While the economy is tough we need smart, responsible Council spending without adding more financial pressure.

My focus is making sure Masterton grows but we protect our people at the same time.

Kia ora, I’m Tim Nelson, and I’m standing for election in the General Ward.

It has been a privilege to serve as a Masterton District Councillor over the past two terms — six years representing our community with honesty, transparency and a clear focus on what matters most for Masterton’s future.

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My top priorities are:

• Protecting ratepayer money and ensuring every dollar is spent wisely.
• Investing in essential infrastructure — our roads, water and public spaces.

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Over my time on Council, I’ve championed key infrastructure projects and led solutions to long-standing issues like Cockburn Street.

I’ve also worked hard to protect our heritage, and while I’m deeply disappointed I was not successful in saving the Town Hall from demolition, I remain committed to safeguarding what makes Masterton unique.

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I’ve stood up for common sense, challenged unnecessary spending and asked the hard questions when it mattered most.

What I’m setting out here is not empty campaign promises — it’s the proven, consistent approach I’ve taken for the past six years, and the same one I’ll continue if I’m re-elected.

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Our greatest challenge is balancing ambition with affordability.

We all want a thriving, vibrant town — but that requires smart, sustainable choices that avoid burdening residents with unnecessary debt or projects that don’t deliver real value.

As guardians of ratepayer funds, we must make every dollar count — investing in what truly matters now and for generations to come.

I’m Lyn Riley, and I’m standing for Masterton District Council – General Ward.

I’m standing to restore respect, deliver real accountability and bring back common sense to Council.

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My priorities are clear:

• Fix core infrastructure
• Control excessive rate increases
• End wasteful spending
• Demand transparency and value for money

It’s time to put ratepayers first – with respect, not debt.

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I bring decades of real-world leadership from government and over a decade as a small business owner.

I'm President of the Masterton Ratepayers & Residents Association, and Board Secretary of Age Concern Wairarapa.

I come with a proven record in governance and advocacy work for our community.

As a proud Wairarapa College old girl, and hands-on grandmother, I know how tough things are out there right now.

Rates are skyrocketing, substantial water charges are looming, and families and businesses are under real financial pressure.

People are losing trust in Council, and I want to restore that trust.

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Our biggest challenge is that Masterton needs to evolve.

This doesn’t mean putting the handbrake on – it means steering responsibly and with purpose.

It’s about doing better with what we have. Working smarter. Not spending more.

If you want real change, vote for Lyn Riley.

Respect for your voice, your values and most of all, your money.