Kaitaia subdivision
Get to know the candidates standing for Te Hiku community board (Kaitaia 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
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 again for the Te Hiku Community Board to ensure strong local voices are heard and acted on.
With three years' experience on the board, I understand council processes and community priorities. My background in banking and as a qualified financial advisor means I bring practical, common-sense thinking to spending and services.
I'm a mum of two, manage a junior rugby team, and serve on both the Mangonui Sub-Union and Northland Junior Rugby Committee. I'm also a trustee on two local trusts, including Te Ahu, and have led youth programs in schools.
I'm committed to affordable, accountable leadership that keeps our community connected to council. I will continue to advocate strongly to ensure local voices are heard at the council table and that decisions reflect the needs of our people.
Candidate video:
BEATSON, Trevor
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Ko Te Rarawa me Ngāpuhi ōku iwi. I live in Ahipara and care deeply about the future of our local communities. I’m standing for the Te Hiku Community Board because I want to see strong, practical leadership that listens to locals and gets things done.
With a background in public service, community leadership, and governance, I bring experience in decision-making, planning, and working with others to solve problems. I believe the board has an important role in representing our area’s needs, whether that’s better roads, safer public spaces, support for local businesses, or protecting our environment.
I’m committed to keeping Te Hiku a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I support transparent processes, responsible spending, and fair representation for all.
I’m standing to be a strong, reliable voice for Ahipara, Kaitaia, and the wider district. I’d be honoured to have your support in this year’s local election.
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. Returning to New Zealand I worked for the Far North District for 14 years, and have been elected member for the past 12 years, chairing our Te Hiku Community Board for the past 9 years. Over this time there has been substantial change in our Te Hiku Ward and feel very proud to have been part of that change. It is great to see our community enjoying the new Te Hiku Sports Hub, upgraded parks, Te Ahu Loop in the Te Hiku area. Therefore, with my extensive knowledge of Council systems and how they operate has helped pave this journey of building for future generations.
I am focused on the future and will advocate and represent you all.
GRBICH, Roberta
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
I am a committed to improving our community wellbeing in the Te Hiku region. Having worked in community development I have had the opportunity to understand the landscape of the area and the people that live within. I want to enable our communities to thrive looking after our Tamariki, Rangatahi and Kaumatua ensuring sufficient access to activities and resources within communities. Taking care of the whenua (land) to protect our resources for future generations and ensure our communities are safe is the responsibility of everyone. Ensuring we have clean waterways, beaches and townships will encourage visitors to our beautiful landscapes and support local business.
My decision-making comes from a place of aroha and caring for our communities with people at the heart of it. I hope to play an integral role in hearing the voices of the people and be a change agent for our community.
Candidate video:
STEWART, John
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
If re-elected it will be my third term as a Te Hiku Community Board member, and trust me I am still learning. Local government can be time consuming, challenging, often frustrating and yet very rewarding. I am proud of our board and what decisions we have made on behalf of the community. We are very conscious of wasteful spending, very focused of investing on infrastructure as opposed to the fluffy stuff. As board members we are the conduit between our communities and Council. Why am I standing again? There are a few incomplete projects that I wish to follow and hopefully complete. I am very business minded currently managing my time with two family business's and running the 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza event, when I have more time maybe my Community Board experience will lead me to running for council.
TE WAKE, Mike
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
My commitment to the Te Hiku ward is deeply rooted in my passion for whānau, iwi, and community values. Although not originally from this area, I've proudly called it home for over half my life. My dedication is demonstrated through my active involvement in various community roles. I've served on several marae in the rohe, and my involvement in many rugby roles, helping to build strong teams and individuals. A key part of my work involves the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori, which I believe is essential for preserving our cultural identity and strengthening community bonds. I am dedicated to using my experience to serve and uplift the people of Te Hiku.
Candidate video:
WRIGHT, Matt
Affiliation:
Independent
Candidate statement:
I am passionate about the health and wellness of the people. Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. For the last few years I have been running men's groups, classes and workshops in the community. Teaching people tools I have learned in the battles I've had with my own mental health and habits of behaviour and thought which held me back.
I see a lot of room for improvement for the health of our community. Crime and addiction, these are symptoms of what the people have going on within them.
I have been through this and climbed my way out, and now would like to be an advocate for other to do the same.