Kaikohe subdivision
Get to know the candidates standing for Kaikohe - Hokianga community board (Kaikohe subdivision) .
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, Edward
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Resided in Kaikohe since 1980
Been in business in Kaikohe since arriving. Currently run a trucking business serving Kaikohe and surrounding districts including the Hokianga.
Am involved with various associations in and around Kaikohe including local marae.
Along with the trucking business I currently own a scrapyard which services a wide area.
Candidate video:
EDMONDS, Mike
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
I'm Mike Edmonds, and I'm standing again for the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board because I believe in the power of community-led progress.
Over the past three terms, I've served both as Chair and Member of the Board. I've worked to bring people together, listen to all voices, and help turn good ideas into real outcomes. I know how to navigate the processes and rules required to get projects across the line - and I'm committed to making sure that our community's priorities aren't lost in the shuffle.
I'm not here to talk to myself up. I'm here to keep doing the work. I believe in fairness, transparency, and holding council to account. I believe in clear direction, shared goals, and supporting each other to get the job done. Whether it's motivating a team, translating complex information, or just showing up, I'm steady, reliable, and focused on what matters most: our people.
KINGI, Hana
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Local government make decisions and approves resolutions that impact our lives and livelihoods daily. With that in mind, I am standing for election to the Community Board because I believe it is better to be an active participant rather than a spectator.
What can I bring to the table?
Life skills. My working life began at Kaitaia Hospital in 1977, where I trained as an enrolled nurse. After 40 years in and around Healthcare, I returned to Northland and now run a retail store in Okaihau. I can work with others at all levels. I am pragmatic, have a can-do attitude and a focus on achieving results and solving problems on time.
I also bring effective and strong communication skills to the role.
The policies I support include waste management and litter, local business development and improving animal welfare across the region.
Teamwork makes the dream work. I believe that.
Candidate video:
MOKARAKA, Scarlet Romaine
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Chairing Te Kotahitanga Marae’s rebuild, representing Ngāti Whakaeke on the Kaikohekohe Wastewater Working Group, and helping shape Te Pouahi’s $55 million Te Tai Tokerau Māori housing fund have shown me where our Far North infrastructure must improve and how we are in the perfect landscape to be worldleading in our community design. A former Downer NZ quantity surveyor, I now run a business in Kaikohe employing ten kaimahi, proving values-driven procurement can lift local skills and wages and also deliver strategic community objectives, driving the build of a recording studio and sound space at The Exchange.
On the FNDC Community Board I will press for a clear, community-led town vision with streets, housing, water and public spaces designed for us and fit for purpose, with contracts and capability kept in our community with strategic planning, disciplined budgets and local procurement to guide sustainable outcomes and economic growth for Kaikohe.
Candidate video:
RUDKIN, Chicky
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Ko Chicky Rudkin ahau. I am standing for election to the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board. Born and raised in the beautiful Kaikohe-Hokianga area, I am proud to call Te Tai Tokerau home. My lifelong connection to this place fuels a deep passion for our communities and a commitment to seeing them thrive.
As a School Principal, I lead alongside tamariki, whānau, and staff to support growth, wellbeing, and success. This role has strengthened my ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and lead with integrity.
If elected, I will advocate for fair access to resources, represent our community with strength and purpose, champion local initiatives that support sustainability and wellbeing, and hold systems accountable.
I believe leadership on the Community Board requires presence and purpose. I am ready to serve again with energy, compassion, and a focus on long-term outcomes.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
Candidate video:
VAN GAALEN, Kelly
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
After three terms serving Kaikohe, I stepped back to focus on local initiative and excitedly welcome my first Grandchild, the ultimate reminder of why investing in our community's matter.
I seek to return, driven by unfinished business, several infrastructure and wellbeing projects that were meant to uplift and connect our community have fallen by the wayside and need renewed attention.
Combined with a belief that public spaces should function as well as inspire pride, I being passion, preparation and persistence. Advocating with purpose, Kaikohe deserves progress we can see and feel.
There is strength in a board that embraces our diversity, works together and delivers real outcomes for all.