Taupō Ward candidates

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

If elected to the city council, I will be prioritising basic services such as water, waste water and sewage. These are not nice-to-haves. They are essential services that are critical to the function of our city. My goal, if elected to the council, will be a focus on maintaining these services to an acceptable standard, future-proofing them so that they are capable of effectively responding to the needs of our city as it grows, and doing this in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner. I am also committed to public accountability: All decisions must be made in an open and transparent way so that ratepayers can have their say.

We are currently in a cost of living crisis, and Taupo’s ratepayers can only give so much. Essential services benefit everybody.

They must be protected, and they must take priority. The nice-to-haves can wait.

• Email: rmc15017@gmail.com
• Phone: 021 568 858

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

I am a civil engineer and sitting Councillor with a background in transport, infrastructure, and local government reform. Over the past three years, I’ve worked to bring greater transparency, public accountability, and financial discipline to Taupō District Council.

I’ve challenged wasteful spending, highlighted governance failings, and stood for the public’s right to be consulted before decisions are made behind closed doors.

We need smarter, not bigger, local government—focused on essential services, prudent investment, and long-term affordability for ratepayers. I support local decision-making, not centralisation, and the right of residents to speak freely on matters that affect them.

Taupō deserves leadership that isn’t afraid to question, reflect, and stand their ground when needed. If re-elected, I will continue to speak plainly, ask the hard questions, and prioritise the public interest above politics.

Website: duncandoestaupo.com

• Email: duncancampbellbythesea@gmail.com
• Phone: 027 486 1380

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

As a long term Taupo resident, I bring over 20 years of community leadership experience as Principal of Taupo Intermediate School (2002—2023), developing strong skills in stakeholder engagement, budget management, and strategic planning.

My educational background provides valuable insight into youth services, community facilities and events that strengthen our district. Recently, as General Manager developing our whanau land into a 3000 lime tree orchard and 800 panel solar farm, I've gained practical experience in district development processes and regulatory requirements.

My wife Barbara and I are deeply connected to this community.

Beyond our professional roles, we have coached, managed, and supported students and adults locally and nationally.

I've actively participated in major Taupo events, I've danced and performed on stage, cycled, walked, run, and fished on Lake Taupo.

I'm committed to collaborative governance that supports sustainable development while preserving the natural environment and exceptional lifestyle that makes Taupo special.

• Email: wiremuclarke2025@gmail.com
• Phone: 027 449 1327

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

Taupō is my home. It’s where my parents live, and where I’ve raised my children, surrounded by the natural beauty and the remarkable people of this district.

In recent years, I’ve founded and led the Taupō Winter Festival, launched the Pop-Up Cinema Series, chaired the local school PTA, been appointed a Trustee of BayTrust, completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Business and established the One Taupō Trust.

Voting for me is voting for pragmatic, decisive action—because I listen and then I get things done.

I care deeply about our people and our place. I believe local government must do better, and I want to be part of a fresh, forward-thinking team focused on outcomes that truly matter - those that support strong communities and future generations.

With your support, I’ll bring energy, experience, and connection to council. I’ll back smart, effective ideas and help drive positive change for Taupō. Follow me at www.facebook.com/nicoladelautourfortdc.

• Email: nicoladelautourforTDC@gmail.com
• Phone: 021 908 886

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

Council's job is to make Taupo a great place to live, work and play - while delivering value for money in the services and investments it provides.

I'll bring a sharp, community and business-focused lens to every decision, and work hard to get the best outcomes for our people and local economy.

I'm a long-time, passionate Taupo local - born, raised and educated here - with strong connections across sport, business, family and community life. I've also had the privilege of raising my young family in this incredible district.

I hold a degree in Economics and Marketing and previously led Economic Development for the district through the Lake Taupo Development Trust. Professionally, I've managed businesses for entrepreneurs and built my own successful Auckland-based import and distribution company. I bring integrity, strong governance, relationship building, and strategic thinking to the table - and I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions.

• Email: barry.delany.taupo@outlook.com
• Phone: 022 406 2675

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

Taupō is more than just where I live, it's who I am. I care deeply about the people, places, and future of our community. Whether a longtime local, a new arrival, raising a family or running a business - I’m here to listen, represent, and act with common sense and heart.

I have a practical, hands-on perspective shaped by real experience across emergency management, tourism, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. With a calm, steady approach grounded in honesty and connection, whether in the boardroom or the marae kitchen, I’m someone who communicates with respect, and brings people together.

I’m a small business owner and my wife and I are raising the next generation here. This feels like the right time, and the right way, for me to give back.

I feel a strong sense of kaitiakitanga, I’m here to do the mahi and I’d be honoured to represent our diverse community.

• Email: stevefortdc@gmail.com

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

An experienced governance professional, I have an extensive history of service as an Independent Director on community boards. I currently serve on the Boards of Coastguard Lake Taupo, The Employment Law Institute, and The NZ Association for Training & Development.

I hold Masters degrees in Business Administration, and Human Resources and Organisational Development. I’m a Fellow of the Institute of Management and Leadership, the Human Resources Institute and the NZ Association for Training and Development.

My everyday work involves human resources consulting, governance training, management training, executive coaching, employment advocacy, mediations, and Employment Relations Authority hearings, through my company The People Effect. I am also a licensed private investigator.

My hot buttons include Good Faith in employment relationships, transparency and accountability, Equal Opportunities (EEO), diversity, one law for all, and equal rights for all. See more on my profile at www.linkedin.com/in/stephenpunter

• Email: stevepunter@icloud.com
• Phone: 021 681 920
• Affiliation: Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

I am standing for election again because I am determined to make this district the best it can be.

I am a very experienced leader and business operator. My whole career has been involved with serving the public in a range of different ways including in local government.

I am courageous and strong and will fight for what I believe is right even if I stand alone.

I am committed to the Taupo District and the coming term will be very challenging with more massive change on the way.

I believe my skills are very necessary to ensure you as the ratepayer and citizen are heard and included in all major decision making.

I work for and am accountable to the voters not the council, which is a very important approach to ensure you are at the centre of what we do.

• Email: christine@tlc.org.nz
• Phone: 027 582 4804

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

My connection to the Taupo District goes back some 45 years. I currently manage and develop commercial/industrial property in Taupo’s CBD and surrounds and have done so for close to 15 years. I have a strong operational and project management background with sound knowledge in the area of the building and regulatory requirements. This is one of the areas that I feel needs strong representation and advocacy, especially with Government reforms in this area imminent providing a genuine opportunity to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.

Local voices need to be heard and local needs met in an economical and fiscally responsible way. I intend to advocate on behalf of and in the best interests of our community and I feel it is incumbent on community leaders to be a conduit of information to encourage more local participation in decision making.

• Email: rachelshepherd4TDC@gmail.com
• Phone: 022 690 3100

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.

It has been a privilege to serve Taupo for 6 years the last 3 as Deputy Mayor. I am a team player working collaboratively to achieve success. I have 44+ years Police service, working in a variety of senior leadership roles, including civil defense, operational planning, community partnerships and road safety. Married to Raewyn we have raised five adult children here in Taupo. Taupo has been home for 33 years and we love this community. I have extensive community service through the Awhina Society, Women’s refuge and Community Foodbank and Taupo Land Search & Rescue, both organisations I currently chair. My interests include mountain biking, outdoor pursuits, photography and classic motorcycles. For regular updates check my election Facebook page for more on what I’ve been doing and what I stand for https://www.facebook.com/KevinTaylorTaupo/. I look forward to serving the Taupo District for the next 3 years.

• Email: kevintaylor1958@yahoo.co.nz
• Phone: 027 273 9817
• Affiliation: Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

A lifelong advocate for people, community, dedicated to building bridges between urban and rural perspectives. My career spans Office, Dental, Retail, Radio, and Magazine Publishing. Farming, and grassroots governance. Through each chapter, honing empathy, practical problem solving and clear communication.

Now I am running for Taupo Council to ensure every resident’s voice is heard with integrity, transparency and purpose.

Having a wide range of experience from Rural Community Board, Advertising, Banking, Real Estate and 30 years of Self-Employed Businesses, I wish to bring this altogether for the benefit of our beautiful District. Key issues for me: Cap our Rates to match Cost of Living Index; Push back against Government Centralisation; Smarter Budgeting reducing wasteful spending; Smarter planning for Infrastructure, keeping Taupo Uniqueness; more Public Involvement; Protecting and sustaining our Environment, Highlighting need for better education around Invasive Clams & Toxic Waste products that are in our water.

Let's Go Taupo.

• Email: anntweedie@outlook.com
• Phone: 027 455 5726
• Affiliation: Let's Go Taupo

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

Belinda Walker MNZM. My professional background is in strategic planning and marketing in NZ and the UK, before settling in Taupō nine years ago with my family.

Currently, I am the Development Manager for Lake Taupō Basketball and Taupō Cricket, and have my own business as a Health Coach. I Chair Kinloch Families Trust, organise community events and advocate strongly for vital services such as our kindergarten, sports facilities and school bus safety.

Together with three terms on Council’s Kinloch Representative Group, this equips me with valuable insights and connections in the Taupō District.

I believe my recent award, the NZ Order of Merit (for services to community), reflects the passion of the organisations I’m part of and supportive family.

This experience in both public and private sectors equips me with unique skills that I would love to contribute to the continued growth and wellbeing of Taupō.

• Email: belindawalker2025@gmail.com
• Phone: 027 828 7625
• Affiliation: Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

Taupō born and bred, I bring decades of hands-on experience as a business owner with strong roots across Taupō, Tūrangi and Mangakino.

Now completing my second term as a councillor, I remain committed to representing local people with practical, common-sense thinking. With offices in both towns, I see firsthand the unique needs of our communities—whether it’s housing, infrastructure, or supporting local businesses and communities.

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made—but there’s still more to do. I’ll continue to stand for careful spending, smart development, and open, honest communication with our residents.

I believe in giving back to the place that’s given me so much. I’m running again to keep using my experience, work ethic, and deep local knowledge to make a positive difference.

• Email: yvonne.westerman@westerman.co.nz
• Phone: 027 573 3844
• Affiliation: Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Taupō Ward area.

I am a long-term resident of Taupo who has print journalist and policy planning experience with councils and Iwi in New Plymouth and Auckland.

In recent years, I have volunteered with animal rescue. My focus would be to strongly support in-house provision of infrastructure, public transport and affordable housing.

• Email: katrinoftaupo@gmail.com
• Phone: 022 247 4444
• Affiliation: Independent