Get to know the individuals standing for election for Mayor.
- Name
- Affiliation
- Personal profile statement
- Photo (if supplied)
- 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 12:00pm noon on Friday 1 August 2025.
Jonathan LarsenAffiliation: Independent Candidate statement: As your current Deputy Mayor, and four term Councillor, I bring experience, stability and strong leadership with a track record of delivering results for Kaipara's ratepayers. I live on our farm at Topuni, and with 25 years as a professional firefighter and station officer, I'm used to working under pressure, solving problems and serving the community. I'm a qualified RMA Commissioner, hold a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration (First Class Honours), and am completing a 36-hectare native forest conservation project near Mangawhai. I want to build on the progress of the current Council. My priorities include - Supporting rural communities, farmers, growers and local businesses; Continued focus on improving roading, footpaths and water infrastructure; Building unity - all ratepayers and residents are equal; Greater focus on small towns and settlements; Carefully managing growth; Continued opposition to the Dome Valley landfill. Ph. 021 0676525 jglarsen.nz@gmail.com http://www.jonathanlarsen.co.nz Phone: 021 067 6525 Candidate video coming soon
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Ash NayyarAffiliation: Independent Candidate statement: Standing for Mayor to protect your wallet, restore trust, and deliver what Kaipara needs: open books, fair spending, and roads that get fixed. As Councillor, I opposed delays, cost-overruns, and misuse of road and flood-resilience funds on projects like the Fagan Place/Wood Street redevelopment, Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme, Dargaville Town Hall, and Water Supply decided behind closed-doors, causing steep rates hikes. I challenged reckless Mangawhai developments that strained infrastructure while Western Kaipara was ignored. What I've delivered: Improved healthcare services, community patrols, and police presence in Dargaville; National funding for flood resilience and a preferred Brynderwyn route to spur growth. My commitments: No rate-increases. No water-restrictions. Rate-relief for over-70s. Transparent, affordable, and responsible governance. With a B.Com, LLB, and MBA (Finance, McGill) and decades of commercial experience, I'll ensure your rates are spent where they matter most. I'll lead with integrity, transparency, and action, so Kaipara can thrive. Contact details: Phone: 0210886851 Email: bhraa@hotmail.com Postal: 5489 State Highway 14, Awakino Point 0372 Candidate video coming soon
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Jason SmithAffiliation: Candidate Statement As Mayor I led Kaipara District back to better times and I want your vote now for a Better Kaipara Again. Undefeated as two-term Kaipara Mayor, I know the ropes, the roads and how to keep rates down while getting things done. I'm seeking re-election because Kaipara needs a proven leader again who's recognised and trusted to serve everyone, not just himself or some of his mates. Kaipara born and bred, a fifth generation local, people know me for decades of work championing All Kaipara people, the place and our potential here. That's the Kaipara way, not what's creeping in recently. I've lived, been in business and farmed in Matakohe for 30 years, 45 mins drive to either coast; issues and opportunities around growth to the East, infrastructure to the West. Let's get on with it together. Re-elect Mayor Dr Jason Smith, your best choice for a Better Kaipara Again. Contact details: Phone: Candidate video coming soon
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Snow TaneAffiliation: Independent Candidate statement: I have proudly called Kaipara home for over 45 years and raised my family in Dargaville. My professional career spans leadership roles across commercial, regional, national and community sectors. I have held senior executive and management roles with TR Development Group and Progressive Enterprises and led major initiatives across retail, farming, tourism, environmental and youth support. My early years in the various roles laid the foundation for a commitment to people and environment. Regionally, I've contributed to key governance forums, including Civil Defence, Climate Adaptation and Economic Development. I've also served nationally on the Department of Conservation's Percentage of Revenue Committee. My community work includes chairing school boards, leading youth sports and supporting local clubs and grants committees. I believe in responsible governance built on integrity, transparency, fiscal accountability and action. We need a council that listens, represents our people and communities and delivers better outcomes for Kaipara. Contact details: Phone: Candidate video coming soon
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