Overview
Get to know the candidates standing for Mayor.
Each candidate is presented with their name, their affiliation, a personal profile statement, and a photo or introductory video (if supplied).
These are provided to help you better understand who is running and what they stand for.
The voting period is from 9 September to 11 October midday.
See the profiles of other candidates running for the 2025 local election
COURT, Ann
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Local government touches every part of our daily lives; from the roads we drive on to the rates we pay. It's your money, and that means you deserve a say.
As Mayor, I will lead with fiscal discipline, ensuring council expenditure focuses on essential services and long-term infrastructure. Rates must remain affordable, backed by transparent decision-making that earns public trust.
Too many households are feeling the pressure, we must spend wisely and make every dollar count.
That means cutting waste, exploring practical alternatives, and delivering strong outcomes without overspending. Because your rates should work as hard as you do.
I'll build a team that listens first, acts wisely, and empowers people to deliver great results.
We'll make responsible decisions that honour the values of our region and stand the test of time. Because true leadership isn't about solving today; its about shaping tomorrow with purpose.
Candidate video:
RILEY, Joshua
Affiliation:
Sovereign
Candidate statement:
We are heading down a path of fiscal incompetence, opaque transactions, assets selloffs and disproportionate representation. FNDC subsidiaries have sold over $20 million in assets to Tupu Tonu since 2023, without public consultation or open tender. $25 million dumped into 'Strategic Relationships', many unlikely to produce an ROI - meanwhile our rates increased 10.95%. I am standing to salvage a future for Northland. Every Councillor should represent Every resident. Maori Wards are segregation and will lead to a bleak future for everyone. Unless you have 200 Councillors representing a portion of every ethnicity, you will never have equal representation. And why would you want that anyway? Regarding the path we choose, please understand the lessons from other nations, reject racial division, make Council colourblind - vote No to Maori Wards.
About me: Business owner since 2004. FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor. Business degree.
Learn more: sovereign.nz
Candidate video:
TEPANIA, Moko
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Kia ora. It's been an honour to serve as your Mayor. Over the past three years, we've faced significant challenges, but together we've achieved a lot - from disaster recovery to progress in community infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the next Council will need to tackle big decisions on roading, waste management, water services, and District Plan, alongside further central government reform.
We need positive, steady leadership to navigate what's ahead and set the Far North up for long-term success. I'm committed to leading a transparent, engaged, and forward-focused Council that keeps our communities at the centre of every decision.
Vote 1 - Moko for Mayor. Strong, experienced leadership to get the best for the Far North.