In the Whangarei Central constituency, veteran greenie Jack Craw is being challenged by Caroline Davis who is bringing fresh ideas and energy to the council. Caroline has served as an ambulance Paramedic and currently chairs the Whangarei Area Committee of St John's. She is an active member of the Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
In the Coast South constituency, John
Hunt is taking on Rick Stolwerk. John’s professional experience includes 12
years as the CEO of Harbour Basketball and involvement with local sporting and
environmental groups.
In the Coastal Central constituency, Greg
Chalmers is presenting himself as “a common sense alternative” to incumbent Amy
McDonald, a former DoC employee. His election platform includes responsible
rating and fair and equitable treatment for all. Chalmers is a successful businessman and has
been involved in various environmental projects. He has a graduate diploma in
Environmental Management.
The retirement of Marty Robinson will
see a new councillor elected in the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa constituency. Murray Hosking is likely to poll strongly
against challenges from five others.
All four newcomers are promising to put an end
to the excessive rate increases of the last three years. All say they would
support a review of all council spending to eliminate waste and bring common
sense back to planning laws.
NRC Chairman Jeff Crawford has been
re-elected unopposed, while current councillors John Blackwell and Joe Carr are
likely to retain their seats.