Get to know the individuals who stood for election in the Bream Bay General Ward.
Each candidate is presented with their name, their affiliation, a personal profile statement and a photo.
These were provided to help you better understand who ran and what they stood for.
Candidate nominations closed at 12 noon on Friday 1 August 2025.
Voting closed at 12 noon on Saturday 11 October 2025.
Notice of day of election, poll and nominations received for the 2025 local elections(PDF, 164KB)
Click 'Next' to see the candidates.
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Bream Bay General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Hi, I'm Dave Baldwin,
I returned 'home' to Waipu six years ago, rekindling memories of bunking class at Tikipunga High and surfing the Cove instead!
The role of councillors has evolved far beyond the old '3 R's' of roading, rubbish, and reticulation. Candidates this time need experience, time and commitment like never before. The next three years will be a very critical phase for our district. That's why 40 years of experience in my own large construction and development business, dealing with councils, project management, cost analysis, financing, and staff management make me the right fit for this challenge.
My focus will be '5 R's': Review - Rating methodology and efficiency; Referenda - Major decisions impacting rates above baseline; Realisation - Selling underperforming council assets to fund priorities; Reject - External mandates/influences; Re-engage - Encouraging residents to shape council decisions.
We must rectify the current unsustainable cost increases upon ratepayers.
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Bream Bay General Ward area.
Also standing for: Mayor - Whangarei District Council
Candidate statement:
I'm Ken Couper, and I'm seeking your support for a third term as your Bream Bay Ward Councillor. After two terms, I understand the complexities of the Local Government Act and how to get results. I've served as Chair of the Strategy & Planning and Exemptions & Objections Committees, Deputy Chair of the Knowledge Hub and Liquor Licensing Committees, and a member of key groups driving infrastructure, community development, water reform, commercial property, and future planning.
The message from our community is clear: rate increases must be affordable, fair and justifiable. I will continue to fight wasteful spending and focus on core services that deliver real value to ratepayers.
I've always stood up for Bream Bay, that now includes opposing sand mining in our area.
I'm committed, experienced and focused on delivering results for our community. I'd be honoured to have your vote.
Let's keep moving forward together.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Bream Bay General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
It's time for fresh representation with real-world experience. I bring a proven track record in manufacturing, business development, and marketing - skills honed over decades in the corporate world and strengthened through entrepreneurial success. As owner and editor of NZ's longest-running automotive magazine, I've led with clarity, accountability, and vision.
Now, I'm ready to serve our community with the same energy and integrity. I value transparency, consistency, and straight talk. I'll push for a one-year freeze on rate increases and introduce spending caps to ensure ratepayers get value for every dollar. It's time to trim the council's excess and focus on delivering core infrastructure that works - no vanity projects, just smart, strategic investment where it matters most.
I'm pragmatic, results-driven, and not afraid to challenge the status quo. Let's put practical leadership at the helm and steer our community in the right direction. Thank you for your support.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is not in the Bream Bay General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Kia ora, I'm Simon Schuster, Principal of Maungakaramea School. I have lived in Whangarei for 17 years with my sixth generation Whangarei wife and our two children. I'm standing for Bream Bay Council to advocate for:
Rates - In a cost-of-living crisis, I oppose rate increases unless they directly benefit ratepayers. I support council-run trading initiatives (CCTO) to generate income and ease the burden.
Rural Community Resilience - I'll ensure rural communities receive their fair share of rate payer funding.
Education - As an educator, I back the 'Knowledge Hub' to support youth pathways from school to employment in Whangarei.
Sand Mining - I strongly oppose sand mining in Bream Bay.
I value your vote and the responsibility it carries. I will work hard for you!
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Bream Bay General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
I'm standing for Bream Bay Ward to bring strong, community-focused leadership to Whangarei District Council. With a background in business development and community support, I work alongside local enterprises to help them grow, thrive, and contribute to a resilient regional economy.
I'm passionate about ensuring our communities have a voice in decisions that affect us - from infrastructure and housing to environmental protection and economic opportunity. I believe in transparent, inclusive governance and practical solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of our people.
As your councillor, I will advocate for smart investment, future-focused planning, and a council that listens, engages, and acts in the best interests of our ward. I'm committed to building strong relationships across our diverse communities and working collaboratively to create a vibrant Bream Bay where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Let's work together to build stronger, more connected Bream Bay.
Affiliation: ACT Local
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Bream Bay General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Time and again, ratepayers have been let down by Whangarei District Council with out-of-control rates hikes, neglected public services, and wasteful spending. It is time to give Council a wake-up call and focus on what matters to local residents.
I live locally in Ruakaka with my young family, meaning I understand local residents' concerns because I too see them everyday. I work as a fitter turner/machinist and also volunteer as a youth coach in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know what you are going to get: I will keep rates low, end wasteful spending on vanity projects, improve and maintain unsafe roads, deliver the basics well like fixing the pipes and collecting rubbish, and oppose all race-based services.
If you want to see common sense back around the council table, please give me your first preference vote.