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Taupō East Rural Ward candidates

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order below. For each candidate, you'll find their name and (if supplied) their affiliation, photograph and profile statement. Contact details are included where candidates have chosen to make them public.

In addition, all candidates were offered the opportunity to film a video up to 90 seconds, answering the same three questions. For those who took up the opportunity, you will see a video alongside their candidate details.

Voting is open from Tuesday 9 September to 12 noon Saturday 11 October 2025.

Kylie LEONARD

Kylie LEONARD photo.

My principal place of residence is not in the Taupō East Rural Ward area.

I am standing for the East Rural Ward because I believe our rural communities deserve strong, practical representation at the Taupō District Council table. As a hands-on dairy farmer and experienced community leader, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing rural areas — from reliable roads and essential infrastructure to water management and thriving local economies.

My governance experience includes serving on the Fonterra Co-operative Council leadership team and as Director of Vetora.

These roles have given me the skills to think strategically, work collaboratively, and advocate effectively for farmer and rural voices.

I believe rural residents need to be part of shaping decisions that impact their livelihoods. I will work hard to represent the needs of the East Rural Ward, improve council communication, and focus on delivering results that strengthen both our communities and our local services.

Your support means strong rural representation.

Rebecca STAFFORD

Rebecca STAFFORD photo.

My principal place of residence is not in the Taupō East Rural Ward area.

I’m Rebecca Stafford, and I’m standing for Taupō East Rural Councillor. Having lived next to a dairy farm for 10 years, I know first-hand the unique challenges rural people face—often overlooked by central and local government.

I’m here to change that.

My multidisciplinary background spans mental health, science, and service: I hold a PhD in health psychology, developing robotic healthcare technology, including robotic prosthetic hands for people with amputations. As a mental health coach, having spent 8 years as a Lifeline counselling volunteer, I’ve supported people through life’s hardest moments.

I excel at creating multi-disciplinary solutions to multi-disciplinary problems. Together with the Let’s Go Taupō team, I support a back-to-basics approach to minimising rates: prioritising essential services, capping rates, cutting wasteful spending, and retiring council debt.

No more Boom Booms.

I'm here to focus. I believe in constructive, principled action that reflects the community we want to create.

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