Article: Candidate promises to focus on rates reform

Source Diane McCarthy PDF

REAL Rates Reform is upon us and the way to get is to make it an election issue in 2026

You can stand on the sideline and rubbish the idea, or you can roll up your sleeves and support the campaign to bring real relief to unaffordable rates.

Who’s side are . . . → Read More: Article: Candidate promises to focus on rates reform

Opinion: Real reform required, not tinkering

Source Dave Stewart PDF

I feel I must respond to Keith Melville’s latest letter “GST refund not the answer” (Beacon, September 24).

Mr Melville has been vocal in claiming he wants the council to offer ratepayers a better deal but supports only candidates who offer very little in the way of substance.

Nationally, the local . . . → Read More: Opinion: Real reform required, not tinkering

Vote For Dave Stewart

Vote for Dave Stewart for Whakatāne / Ōhope Ward

Vote for Dave Stewart for Whakatāne / Ōhope Ward

1/. What makes me the best person to represent the Whakatāne / Ōhope ward?

You can’t keep politics out of politics, and I bring a lifetime of real-world political action, understanding and advocacy to the . . . → Read More: Vote For Dave Stewart

Article: Wastewater still an election issue for Matatā

Source Diane McCarthy PDF

OVERSEERS: MC Rob Meharry and timekeeper Murray Orr at the Matatā Residents Association Meet the Candidates event.

The support amongst the Matatā community for a sewerage scheme was loud and clear at a Meet the Candidates event organised by Matatā Residents’ Association.

The Matatā Rugby Club was filled to . . . → Read More: Article: Wastewater still an election issue for Matatā

Whakatāne District Council Profile Statement & Video: Make Whakatāne A Happy Place

I was invited by the Whakatāne District Council to record a video and submit a profile statement for the Local Body Election.

I was pretty careful how I wrote the Profile Statement but I chose to do the video 'off the cuff' and not prepare for it and just answer the questions direct from my . . . → Read More: Whakatāne District Council Profile Statement & Video: Make Whakatāne A Happy Place

Opinion: What the heck is happening with rates?

Rates are going through the roof and people are struggling. Even so, I’m going to say something that most mayoral candidates won’t admit. Rates are going to keep going up and anyone who promises that they can stop that happening is lying to you. The Government would sack the council and install commissioners if we did what it would take to stop rates increasing. . . . → Read More: Opinion: What the heck is happening with rates?

Article: List of core services ‘bizarre’ – Tanczos

Source

Whakatāne district councillors have expressed surprise that cemeteries, public toilets, animal control, liquor licences and consents are not considered core services for councils by the Government.

“This is bizarre,” councillor Nandor Tanczos said.

“The (Coalition Government’s) list of core services doesn’t include a whole bunch of functions that the Government itself requires that . . . → Read More: Article: List of core services ‘bizarre’ – Tanczos

Don’t Vote For Wellington – Vote For Whakatāne

National’s hidden agenda was unaffordable rates. And now we are having to address it. National’s supporters in this campaign here in Whakatāne are telling us to pay for National’s $440 million water alternatives we must sell our publicly owned assets and privatise everything that moves. This means we will pay the same of higher rates, and then pay again for the services our rates used to cover. . . . → Read More: Don’t Vote For Wellington – Vote For Whakatāne

Let’s reimagine the future of urban life — one city, one community, one happy place at a time.

Let’s reimagine the future of urban life — one city, one community, one happy place at a time. . . . → Read More: Let’s reimagine the future of urban life — one city, one community, one happy place at a time.

Candidate List – Whakatāne District Council – 2025

Source

The nomination period has ended.

A big mihi/acknowledgement to all our candidates who have stepped up to stand for Whakatāne District council – it takes heart to put yourself forward for your community.

See who is standing for Whakatāne District – below are the candidates in the running to lead where they live.

Important . . . → Read More: Candidate List – Whakatāne District Council – 2025