Kaipara mayoral race: Six people battle for seat vacated by Dr Jason Smith

Six people are vying for the position of Kaipara mayor, including experienced councillors, local businesspeople and Māori candidates.

The candidates are Victoria del la Varis-Woodcock, Craig Jepson, Karen Joyce-Paki, Brenden Nathan, Ash Nayyar and Gordon Walker.

Kaipara’s current mayor, Dr Jason Smith, made the sudden decision in June to not seek re-election, leaving the field wide open.

Kaipara District Council is one of the country’s smallest councils but it has faced plenty of controversy, including being replaced by commissioners from 2012 to 2016 due to financial management problems from Mangawhai’s wastewater scheme.

Issues in this last term include the rapid growth of Mangawhai, sand mining, drought-led water restrictions and the impact of councillors’ participation in Covid-19 mandate protests.

To find out more about the candidates running for Kaipara mayor, Stuff asked each one to describe themselves in one sentence, if they represent a minority and to explain what they hope to achieve.

Victoria del la Varis-Woodcock

Del la Varis-Woodcock described herself as a hard-working, courageous and creative two-term councillor, as well as being a mother of grown sons, and married to a farmer.

“I am passionate about making happy communities, a healthy democracy, and a district where current and future generations can thrive.”

Del la Varis-Woodcock said she was opposed to Three Waters reform, and believed Kaipara could best represent its own interests to meet targets on the health of water, the environment and people.

“I will lead and promote values of thriftiness, respect for resources, waste minimisation and community resilience through food networks, community gardens and locally-grown produce.”

Craig Jepson

Jepson said he has been a successful business owner for 22 years in Kaipara.

He is standing for mayor to provide strong leadership for the community.

“I wish to lead a council that has a strong focus on outcomes that deliver good economy, democracy and community wellbeing.”

Karen Joyce-Paki

Joyce-Paki (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua) is a two-term councillor, who was born and raised in Dargaville and is happily married, raising a blended family.

Her background is in community engagement, social and environmental policy, treaty settlement, Te Ao Māori, emergency management and compliance.

“I’m passionate about our town, our environment but most importantly our people … With six years serving Kaipara I will hit the ground running.”

Joyce-Paki said Kaipara needed a leader who was open to listening, who could unite the community and represent the best interests of everyone.

“The challenges ahead are uncertain, I want to ensure our community know what’s happening, how it impacts their everyday lives and work with them to find appropriate solutions.”

Brenden Nathan

Nathan – who is of Ngāti Whatua, Te Roroa, Nga Puhi, Ngāti Porou and Irish descent – was born and raised in Dargaville, and studied social work and social policy.

He said he has been a working, ratepaying community contributor for 38 years, including 11 years as production co-ordinator at Silver Fern Farms and 13 years as a sales consultant with Dargaville Ford.

“I have extensive reach and established relationships within significant commercial, professional, educational and cultural networks throughout the Kaipara district,” he said.

Nathan said he is enthusiastic and ready to represent Kaipara’s voice as it goes through dramatic changes in local government.

He also plans to promote robust data research, so the council and community can make sound and informed decisions.

Ash Nayyar

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Ash Nayyer wants to grow Kaipara, ensure council finances are carefully managed and lead with integrity.

Nayyer moved to New Zealand with his family in 2001 and Kaipara in 2016, where he has been an active member of Dargaville Rotary Club and an organic gardener.

“I am an educated, community-oriented commercial banker, with three decades of business and financial experience, and I lead with integrity,” he said.

Nayyer said he had helped turn around many struggling commercial operations and, with an MBA in finance from Canada, planned to ensure council finances were carefully managed.

His other priorities are open decision-making and consultation, and to grow Kaipara through good management.

Gordon Walker

Walker said he was full of enthusiasm for the Kaipara district.

“I am a successful businessman and accomplished communicator. I am passionate about the Kaipara.”

Walker said he was standing for mayor because he wanted to protect and prepare the Kaipara for the future.

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