Te Hiku General Ward
Get to know the candidates standing for Te Hiku General Ward.
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
BAUCKE, Rachel
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Kia ora, I'm Rachel Baucke. I've lived most of my life in the Far North and am standing for council to bring affordable, accountable, and common-sense leadership to our district.
I've spent three years on the Te Hiku Community Board, giving me solid insight into council processes and community priorities. With a background in banking, mortgage brokering, and a qualified financial advisor, I know how to manage money wisely - something our council needs to focus on.
I'm a mum of two (14 and 10), manage a junior rugby team, and serve as a delegate for the Mangōnui Sub-Union and Northland Junior Rugby Committee. I'm also a trustee on two local trusts, including Te Ahu, and have delivered youth programs in schools for many years.
I'm committed to better core services, smarter spending, and a thriving, resilient Far North. Let's build a stronger united future together.
Candidate video:
BELLAS, Eddie
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
A proud Far North local, I’m standing in the Te Hiku Ward to ensure our communities are represented with integrity, transparency, and action.
I have a background in leadership service to the community. I was a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the NZ Army for more than Fifteen years and have spent nearly a decade as a Kaitaia Volunteer Firefighter and Fisheries Officer. I’m a business owner and understand the challenges of surviving in the current climate.
I’ve worked alongside whānau, community groups and local businesses to navigate through tough times while creating opportunities. I’m passionate about supporting initiatives that increase jobs, grow businesses and improve infrastructure.
My vision is for a resilient, connected Far North where roads are reliable, infrastructure is future proofed, and businesses thrive.
I will champion for local businesses, infrastructure, value for money and less red tape.
Vote Eddie Bellas - A Strong Voice for Te Hiku
Candidate video:
FOY, Felicity
Affiliation:
Independent
Candidate statement:
I am a farmer, business owner, and mother of two boys. My parents are Joe and Fiona King, and my parents in law are Marion Foy and the late Ross Foy. My husband and I own a plumbing and drain laying business and are beef farmers. I am experienced elected member. I have a Master’s Degree in Resource and Environmental planning. I am a qualified town planner and hearings commissioner.
My focus is to keep rates low and to leverage off external funding, to save costs for ratepayers. I understand all the separate ‘buckets’ of funding and the pathways to get action for my community.
I work for you, the ratepayer. I bring my background and understanding of business, town planning, farming, consenting, and resource management to the role. My focus is on zero based budgeting, asset management, and forward planning for infrastructure maintenance and growth (roading and 3 waters).
Candidate video:
GARDNER, Adele
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
I was born in Kaitaia and grew up on the family dairy farm, on the outskirts of Kaitaia. I have worked overseas in South Korea, Germany and England. I worked for the Far North District for 14 years, have been an elected member for the past 12 years, chairing our Te Hiku Community Board for the past 9 years. Since amalgamation in 1989, there has been under investment in infrastructure across the district which unfortunately is now causing a substantial lot of money to upgrade core services of sewage, water and roading, hence the 10.95% rates increase. There are also some 'nice to haves' in the 25/26 Annual plan that are general rated, and in my view could have been pushed out to a later year. I would support a rate's capping in future.
Therefore, with my extensive knowledge of Council systems, I am able to hit the road 'running'.
KNIGHT, Monty
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Born, raised and educated in Kaitaia, I am a passionate member of our Far North community.
In 1973 I led the Fundraising Team to build the Far North Community Centre (now Te Atu).
I have had a multi-faceted career spanning over 60 years including Retail, Signwriting, Music promoter, leading to opening Monty's Disc Inn, expanding to an Appliance Store. I purchased Knights the Jewellers in 1986 , now managed by my daughter. I was inducted into the Northland Business Hall of Fame in 2010. I entered Local Body Politics, becoming a councillor in FNDC in 2010 and then a term in the Northland District Council.
I established Okahu Estate Vineyard in 1984 which has won gold, silver, bronze medals (national and international) exporting to many overseas countries. I have held positions in Retail Business Development, all of which have provided me with skills to become a Councillor.
MATTHEWS, John Joseph
Affiliation:
Independent
Candidate statement:
It's time for a reality check. In the last three years, rates have soared and it's only getting worse. FNDC's debt in 2024 was $174 million. By 2027, it's projected to hit $344 million. To cover this, they plan another 21% rates increase. Right now, 70% of what you pay goes towards finance costs and council salaries. Over 100 staff earn more than $100,000 a year.
Your vote can stop that from happening. Zero increases in both rates and borrowing over the next three years are achievable by focussing on the basics: fixing potholes, maintaining sewerage systems and collecting rubbish.
I'm ready to make that happen. I am Kaitaia born and bred and have returned home from Brisbane, where I managed an engineering consultancy. I know how to live within tight budgets.
A vote for me will bring a back-to-basics approach to the council. Thank you.
Candidate video:
OIEN, Garreth Wayne
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
I'm putting my hand up for FNDC Council because I care deeply about the future of our district, and I know we can do better.
With over 10 years working in local government as a qualified civil engineer, I've seen firsthand how decisions are made and where things often get stuck. I've successfully delivered major contracts and know the internal workings of FNDC inside and out.
Now, I want to put that experience to work for you, focusing on what matters, cutting waste, and making sure ratepayers get real value for their money.
This isn't about big promises. It's about practical solutions, accountability, and ensuring the basics are done right.
I live here. I work here. I understand the challenges our community face, and I'm ready to do something about it.
If you're looking for someone who understands the system and will stand up for smarter spending, vote Garreth Oien
Candidate video:
SHANKS, Mark
Affiliation:
Independent
Candidate statement:
It's not about me, it's about democracy.
I'm Mark Shanks, living , working and surfing in the Far North since 1993. I'm very concerned about the state of democracy in the Far North, in New Zealand and the world. The views of far too many people are ignored in a system that has its own agenda.
58% of eligible voters did not vote in the last FNDC elections. That's not democracy!
People are not voting, but they would if they could cast a vote of No-Confidence in the system itself. It's not democracy if we don't have this option to say no. Say no! I'll ask your hard questions at every council meeting and report back to you immediately. It's time to demonstrate local authority, to regenerate and reinvigorate politics and democracy by finally counting the valid votes of discontent, empowering us to move on to something better!
Candidate video:
SUBRITZKY, Bill
Affiliation:
Independent
Candidate statement:
I have the ability to represent our community as an elected Councilor. I will draw on experience at management level employment, operations in training and education, business ownership, Five years plus as elected member Te Hiku Community Board (Whatuwhiwhi Ward) and chairing community groups since 1985.
Early Council focus areas will include the understanding of Councils core business strategies and the management of costs with emphasis on how value for money is achieved. Contributions to improving community transparency is also a priority.
Working within the Far North District Council to help develope a cohesive team, which includes the development and support staff and our important Community Boards, to achieve a combined focus on Community growth and Welbeing.
This is both the challenge and the Reward.