Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward
Get to know the candidates standing for Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori 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
ALLEN, Arohanui Takangaroa
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
Tēnā koutou e te whānau,
I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be standing for Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward.
I am dedicated to working for our people, reflecting the voices and aspirations of whānau, hapori, and hapū, ensuring representation and advocacy for Māori communities in our rohe.
Every voice is valued and my role is to listen to and amplify these voices, so decisions reflect the needs and hopes of our people.
Aku mihi aroha,
Arohanui
Candidate video:
HALKYARD-HARAWIRA, Hilda
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
He uri ahau nō Ngāti Haua ki Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi-nui-tonu me Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. He Karani Māmā, he kaiako, he kaihoe hoki, e noho ana ki Awanui.
I'm a founding whānau member of Aniwaniwa Kōhanga Reo, Te Rangi Āniwaniwa, and Te Wānanga o Te Rangi Āniwaniwa.
In my maiden term as Kaikaunihera Māori, post-Covid, the Far North has weathered three cyclones, road closures, business interruptions and economic hardship. Councillors are tasked to make strategic wellbeing decisions for our rohe, within the limited resources available.
Over the next three years, I hope to see the Far North: Mahi Ngātahi - sustain Māori ward representation and grow Hapū-Iwi partnerships beyond 2028 to support mutual community projects; Mahi Oranga - support local contractors to repair roads and build resilient, innovative infrastructure across Te Hiku; Hāpai - strengthen community resilience, housing initiatives, economic opportunities and future planning.
Mauri Ora Mauri Oho.
Candidate video:
KAPA, Babe
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
I'm seeking re-election as Councillor for Tai Tokerau Māori Ward (4 seats) in 2025 Triennial. I also support the re-election of fellow Māori Ward Councillors. I believe trienniums should be four years not three. Performance of the Board can be measured farely against district and annual plans set by them rather than those set in previous triennial. This current Board has completed the 2025-26 Annual Plan, begun spatial planning process for Tai Tokerau. We work closely with Central Government in anticipation of announcements they make that may impact on our projects or planning. My continued attention includes: House - elderly and homeless, resource and building consents, rates; Cycle + Walkways - between Horeke and Opua, possibility to extend; Facilities - halls, sport grounds and clubrooms, pools, libraries and parks; Relationships - communities, educational settings, marae, business associations, hapū, Community Boards, Takiwa, Iwi, Local/Central Government.
Candidate video:
KAWITI-JESSOP, Shelly
Affiliation:
Independent
Candidate statement:
Tēnā koutou katoa e te whānau o Ngā Tai o Tokerau.
From Taumarere ki Hokianga, I stand to serve all corners of our rohe. I am Shelly Kawiti-Jessop, standing as a candidate for the Māori Ward, to ensure our people's voice is present in decision-making. I whakapapa to Ngāti Hine and Te Hikutū, connected by whānau throughout Tai Tokerau. As a descendant of Ngāpuhi, I carry the responsibility to represent our community. I bring governance, business, and environmental experience; celebrating our taiao and tikanga. I will advocate for affordable housing, marae support, investment in rangatahi, and Māori leadership in land-use decisions. Here in Northland, our whānau grow up experiencing regular impacts of extreme weather - flooding, sewerage overflows and damaged roads. Our communities are left waiting and not prioritised. Council must partner with hapū and upload Te Tiriti in every policy.
The system should reflect us - not restrict us!
Candidate video:
KLESKOVIC, Penetaui
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
As your Councillor and General Manager of Te Aupōuri Commercial & Fisheries, I'm committed to representing our people and advancing our social, economic, environmental and cultural wellness.
In my role with Te Aupōuri, I oversee housing, infrastructure and economic development to ensure each initiative aligns with our vision for sustainable growth. I lead aquaculture expansion for the five Te Hiku Iwi, creating jobs and leading in the green-lipped mussel spat industry.
On Council, I focus on delivering sustainable employment, fostering intergenerational opportunity, improving roading and streamlining FNDC processes to support iwi aspirations and remove barriers.
As an advocate for fisheries, farming, forestry and whenua development, I honour the taonga returned through Treaty settlements and empower rangatahi with the skills to shape their futures.
With proven expertise in strategic governance, community well-being, regulatory administration and democratic engagement, I ask for your vote to continue serving our people with transparency and accountability.
Candidate video:
RĀKENA, Tāmati
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
My commitment is to our whānau, whenua, and the mana of our tūpuna. I will continue to stand unapologetically Māori, and work tirelessly to uphold tino rangatiratanga, protect mana motuhake, and ensure our communities get equitable outcomes.
I'm here to serve our people with integrity, courage, and purpose. I show up, speak up, and do the mahi. I stand firm in the face of pressure, and I will always call out what's not right. I understand rural realities, and I carry our voice into spaces where its often ignored. I am fluent in te reo Māori and English, I move easily between worlds, but my anchor is always te ao Māori. Make me your nama tahi, and I'll continue to do the mahi, not for me, but for us. For our whānau. For our future. For Te Hiku o te Ika.
RUDKIN, Chicky
Affiliation:
N/A
Candidate statement:
He kanohi kitea, he māngai mō te iwi – Representing our voice, grounded in our whenua
Tēnā koutou katoa, ko Chicky Rudkin ahau. Born and raised in Kaikohe-Hokianga, I have deep and enduring connections to Te Tai Tokerau, my tūrangawaewae. I bring three years of local governance experience and a strong background in educational leadership. As Chairperson of the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board, I have led with integrity, focus, and commitment to whanaungatanga.
As a School Principal, I work alongside tamariki, whānau, and staff to create positive change across our kura and wider community. If elected to Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward, I'll advocate for strong Māori voice in council decision-making, uphold the mana of our hāpori, hapū, and iwi, support initiatives that strengthen whānau, protect our taiao, and build sustainable futures, and ensure our communities are heard, valued, and well-represented.
Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au