Get to know the individuals standing for election in the Whangārei Urban General Ward.
Each candidate is presented with their name, their affiliation, a personal profile statement, and a photo and short video message (if supplied).
These are provided to help you better understand who is running and what they stand for.
Candidate nominations closed at noon on Friday 1 August 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 not in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
My home is Whangārei. I care deeply for this community and the people who make it special.
I was asked to stand for Council by people I trust. I'm now stepping up to help make decisions that are thoughtful, responsible, and focused on the long-term good of our district. I care about fairness, sustainability, and making sure we're getting real value from the money we spend. I'd be proud to represent a community with honesty, independence, and a commitment to doing the work.
I'm active in local groups, volunteer regularly, and take initiative in community events because I believe in showing up and pitching in. I bring to the table a passion for participation, a nose for solid policy, good business sense, creative problem-solving, and experience making tight budgets to go a long way. I'm practical, values-driven, and not afraid to ask tough questions when something doesn't add up.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
I'm standing because our community deserves better representation.
A councillor should serve everyone - not push personal agendas. As a former councillor and chair of the finance committee, I helped keep rate rises low and debt minimal by managing costs carefully. I'll bring that same discipline and real-world pragmatism back to council.
I support a full review of spending to cut waste and cap rate increases. Council also needs to reclaim control from staff - elected councillors should direct the CEO, not the other way around. It's time for a reality check.
I'm a good listener and straight talker. I take time to understand what people need and act on it. As a family man, business owner, and strong community advocate, I'm driven by genuine care for locals.
If you want responsible spending, practical leadership, and a people-first approach, I'd be honoured to serve again.
Vote Crichton Christie Number One
Video coming soon.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
It has been an honour and a privilege to represent you over two terms, thank you.
My commitment has been steadfast, and now as a father of two, my drive is elevated. The position enables me to serve you in many more ways than the role entails, and I hope to continue.
Our district and environment will benefit by improving public spaces, council services, and communication. The value of the Social, Cultural, Economic, and Environmental well-beings will not be lost. These ensure our district can thrive, with cost effective benefits for all and together we can support equitable outcomes.
We need to improve connections throughout the city to be direct, safer, and more welcoming.
Supporting alternative transport methods which help reduce congestion and assist with parking issues in town, and traveling to our wonderful beaches and native bush.
Come along. I Believe In You, You Can Do It.
He hōnore nui kia tū ai hei māngai mō koutou mō ngā wā e rua. Ngā mihi maioha mō tō tautoko. Kua ū taku ngākau ki te mahi. lnaianei he matua au nō āku tamariki tokorua, kua kaha ake taku hiahia ki te mahi mō te painga o te hapori. He nui ake te mahi ka taea i tēnei tūnga i te mea e kitea ana. Kei te hiahia kia pai ake tō tātou taone, ngā wāhi tūmatanui, ngā ratonga a te kaunihera, me te kōrero tika ki te iwi. Me ū ki te oranga ahurea, pāpori, ōhanga, me te taiao, kia puāwai ai te katoa. Me whakatika i ngā ara o te taone kia haumaru, kia tika, kia pōwhiri hoki. Me tautoko hoki i ētahi atu huarahi haere kia iti ake ngā raruraru. Haere mai. E whakapono ana au ki a koe. Ka taea e koe.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Phil Cullen is standing for Whangārei District Council with a bold vision for a connected, sustainable, and thriving community. A long-time resident with deep roots in the region, Phil brings over 20 years of governance experience, a strong business and education background, and a reputation for integrity and action. His priorities include building inclusive, safe communities with access to housing, health, and education; supporting economic growth through entrepreneurship, training, and smart infrastructure; protecting the environment with balanced resource use and climate resilience; and celebrating cultural diversity through arts, sports, and community events. Phil advocates for strong governance, strategic planning, and genuine community engagement. With qualifications in business (MBA), teaching, and finance, and a long-standing commitment to service, Phil is ready to ensure Whangārei's growth benefits both residents and visitors. Vote Phil Cullen - a voice of experience, vision, and lasting commitment to Whangārei's future.
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Not an Expired Politician. Not a lobby group puppet. Your local independent candidate.
I am a husband, father of 5, proud poppa, former N.Z Army Territorial, former Project Engineer (Starship Children's Hospital), rugby coach of 20 years and former business owner with 30 years' experience. I know how to make tough financial calls, look for savings where possible throughout an organization without dropping standards or services.
Our rates can not keep going up. We can't keep building golden domed monuments or fighting unwinnable court cases costing ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some current decisions council are making need scrutiny, accountability and to be reviewed.
I'm here to open the door to better transparency, smarter spending and decision making, it's just Common Sense.
I want a Safe, Vibrant, Attractive City where people reside with great facilities and services.
For Real Independence, Real Results.
Vote Tony Dingle for W.D.C.
Video coming soon.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
A proud Pacific New Zealander and dedicated advocate for Whangārei, I've committed my career to building strong communities and delivering real outcomes. I currently serve as Construction Health & Safety Manager with Te Whatu Ora Northland, leading the community wealth building model with the $759 million hospital redevelopment - ensuring a sustainable pathway through willing partners collaboration and real connection into the build. I've supported innovative approaches inspired by global models, such as the Preston Model, to strengthen local businesses and long-term resilience. I helped lead Northland's first Pacific Strategy and founded the Pacific Providers Collective, showing how collaboration enhances services for all. While that work began in the Pacific community, its benefits extended across Whangārei. I'm standing for Council to bring a fresh voice, focused on smart investment, meaningful partnerships, and practical solutions - driven by values, lived experience, and passion for building local strength and growing community wealth.
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is not in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Also standing for: Mayor - Whangarei District Council
Candidate statement:
My extensive, proven leadership experience in civil infrastructure and governance roles across Community, Schools, Iwi, Business, and Sports Organisations has equipped me with the skills to lead effectively. With over 30 years in senior management within the civil construction industry, I have a deep understanding of how council projects operate from the ground up. I prioritise collaboration, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and getting things done - qualities essential for a councilor, regardless of prior council tenure. Additionally, nearly 40 years of governance in local sports organisations and over 15 years leading school boards (both primary and secondary) demonstrate my ability to work collaboratively in diverse environments.
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
As a committed advocate for our district, I stand for keeping rates to a minimum & prioritizing core infrastructure & essential services that truely matter. With proven experience in local government, I bring strong relationships with fellow councillor that allow me to get things done collaboratively & constructively. I am deeply integrated in our community & have, and will always stand up for individuals impacted unfairly by council decisions. I opposed the new airport project & the significant long term burden it places on ratepayers. I also voted for our district to have the final say on flurodation - decisions that affect our people should be made locally not dictated by central government. My focus remains: transparency, fairness and accountability. I believe in smart Investment protecting ratepayers, & building a council that listens & delivers. If re-elected, I will continue to serve with integrity & always put our community first.
Video coming soon.
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is not in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Arborist. Ambassador for Trees - including the 'family tree'.
Climate change: fraudulent economics.
G.E. Food is poisonous, toxic, carcinogenic.
United Nations: Evil, totalitarian criminal governance.
Covid19: certificate of vaccination ID. (Ai=19) is transhumanist digital convergence and cull.
CBDC: electronic slavery & control systems.
Big pharma - WHO: criminal eugenics & depopulation. Arrest Gates, Fauchi et al.
Jesus Christ is King of Kings
Bringing Truth back to governance!
No video supplied.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is not in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Tena Koutou Katoa
My name is Gabriel Henry. I'm a 57yr old son, father, and grandfather from otaika. I whakapapa through my Father Gabriel Henare to Ngati Kahu, Ngati Haua and Ngati Wai. And Swiss ancestry through my Mother Frieda.
My working background has been 20+ yrs as a mental health assistant for the Whangarei DHB, Auckland DHB and the Westcoast DHB now known as Te Whatu Ora.
I have also worked as a fabricator/welder for local companies such as Morgan Engineering and Tenix Shipyard working on projects such as the NZ Navy inshore patrol vessels.
I currently work as the gardener/groundsman at Kiwi North Museum and Heritage Park.
I believe Whangarei is the Jewel in the crown of Aotearoa, and will continue to be, with the right vision, guidance and infrastructure investment from local government, local Iwi, central government and all the people of our rohe!
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Tena Koe, I am Heath Kewene, and I would be honoured to serve as your next Whangarei District Councillor.
My primary focus would be on developing / maintaining important infrastructure, of which is not only so important that other councils have gotten in trouble not following through themselves, but I see as council's main role in paving the foundation for the rest of us to keep building Whangarei's passionate community and economy.
My view for this would include allowing and expanding development opportunities that progress the regions ability to grow, from families looking to settle here, to businesses operating, to hosting lucrative visitors and events in the region. My main example for this is the long debated prospective hotel / conference venue.
And all this while keeping a strict eye on council spending, as everyone should expect.
For more about me, please check out my website, hkforwdc.co.nz
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is not in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Also standing for: Mayor - Whangarei District Council
Candidate statement:
I'm running for the Urban ward because Whangarei deserves better a council that truly serves its people.
As a nurse, I've worked from Whangarei to England and Australia's outback, always putting people first. As a councilor for three years, I've witnessed mismanagement and declining democracy firsthand. Enough is enough - I'm ready to lead the change we need.
My vision is built on three priorities: (1) Putting ratepayers first with genuine community engagement and accountable councilors; (2) Making rates affordable by eliminating wasteful spending; (3) Focusing on essentials - roads, water, and waste - not costly, flashy projects driving rate hikes.
With integrity, honesty, and determination, I'll give 110% to deliver a prosperous Whangarei that listens and gets results.
Thank you Marie Olsen
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Practical Solutions, strong communities.
I'm standing for Council because I want to see Whangārei District working well for everyone.
With experience in business, finance, project management, property, facilities and roading, I understand how important it is to focus on essentials - safe roads, reliable services and infrastructure, along with thoughtful planning for future growth while controlling costs.
I am committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming city that offers opportunities for our young people, encouraging them to build their future here. Education is a vital part of that future. With the uncertainties surrounding the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, Council must work closely with central government, local providers and industry to safeguard access to tertiary education and training in Northland.
I believe decisions are stronger when they are transparent and shaped with input from our community. If elected, I will listen carefully, work constructively, and focus on practical outcomes for our district.
Video coming soon.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is not in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Five generations of family history in Whangārei. As your current Urban Ward councillor, I bring proven community leadership and experience in community development.
Qualifications: M.Coun, PhD, QSM.
This Term's Achievements: Deputy-chair of Community Development, on Transport Working and Inner-City Development Groups; Developed affordable housing strategy and secured pensioner housing funding; Supported bike paths, bus-lane, sports fields, festivals and community strengthening; Created online local business market platform; Chaired Climate Action, climate conferences, and community strategy.
2025-2028 Priorities: Housing - Transform strategies into reality, ensuring affordable housing for elderly residents, young families, and those in need; Climate Action - Develop comprehensive 30-year climate action plan for central Whangārei, addressing transport, planning, and environmental practices; Community Governance - Encourage community-facing council, supporting grass-roots projects; Economic Growth - Continue supporting businesses, our economy's backbone. On Creative-Northland and understand vital role of creative industries.
Committed to making Whangārei kinder, safer, more vibrant for all residents.
Affiliation: N/A
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Born and raised in Whangarei, I've seen both the challenges our community faces and the opportunities for growth. I'm standing as a young candidate to ensure youth are represented and to advocate for a safer, better supported, and more resilient Whangarei. I've been actively involved in local and central government, community groups, and governance boards. These experiences have given me leadership skills grounded in real local issues. I bring a people first approach to decision making, shaped by lived experience and a deep understanding of our communities' needs. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I'm committed to being your voice at the table and to helping restore trust in our local decision making. It is time for us to come together and build a Whangarei we can all be proud of, a place where we can truly say we #Loveithere.
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Hello Whangārei. I'm running for council with a commitment to our community's well-being. As a volunteer with Whangārei Community Patrol, Neighbourhood Support, and Fire and Emergency, I understand the importance of public safety.
My priority is to keep our city safe while keeping rates down. I'll work collaboratively with fellow councillors to find cost-effective solutions that benefit everyone.
Public safety is at the forefront of my vision for Whangārei. I'll focus on supporting local initiatives, enhancing community programs, and ensuring our city's infrastructure is safe and well-maintained.
Let's work together to build a stronger, safer Whangārei. I'm dedicated to listening to our community's concerns and delivering practical solutions. Vote for me, and let's get things done for Whangārei - safely, sustainably, and affordably.
Video coming soon.
Affiliation: Independent
Area of residence: My principal place of residence is in the Whangārei Urban General Ward area.
Candidate statement:
Paul Yovich - Smart Spending. Strong Communities. Straitforward Leadership
As your Councillor since 2022 and Chair of the Finance Committee, I've worked hard to ensure transparent, responsible, financial governance. I opposed the recent rates increases and continue to advocate for smarter budgeting and real accountability. Born and raised in Kamo, I bring professional experience as an accountant and grassroots involvement through years of service on school boards, sports clubs, and the Northpower Trust.
Council should focus on core services - roads, water, infrastructure and spend ratepayer money wisely, not on vanity projects. Growth should be practical and affordable. I stand for personal responsibility, democratic integrity and efficient local government. Whangarei deserves clear thinking, practical leadership and a mindset change. I bring financial expertise, honesty, and a strong work ethic - standing up for the ratepayers, community groups and local families.
Vote for Paul Yovich for effective, accountable local government.
No video supplied.