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This Week’s Issue

Local Government

Whangamatā Community Board candidates

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Published on

September 2, 2025

Whangamata Community Board candidates tell us why we should vote for them.

Whangamatā Ward candidates for Community Board
(4 seats, 6 candidates)

Mark Drury, Neil Evans, Graeme Smith, Sally Smith, Terry Walker, Heather Watt.

Mark Drury

I am seeking re-election to the Community Board, but I’m also seeking election as a Councillor in the South-Eastern War.d

Please see Mark’s photo and statement on the Council South-East Ward candidate page.

Neil Evans

I am a current Board Member.

At the moment the Board’s main function is simply a Community Grants Committee to distribute $90,000 a year to Whangamata Community Groups. This is not the intention of a Community Board under the Local Government Act.

I’m also seeking election as a Councillor in the South-Eastern Ward.

Please see Neil’s photo and statement on the Council South-East Ward candidate page.

Graeme Smith

Whangamatā has been our home for the past eight years. A welcome retreat after years in business.

I’ve been part of the Whangamatā Arts Collective for seven years, proudly watching it grow. Art connects a community. I’m a trustee of Creative Coromandel, the governing body for art events throughout our region. A rewarding six years on the Whangamatā Swimming Pool Committee allowed me to participate in the significant renovation and upgrade of our community pool. I enjoy supporting the Whangamatā Theatre Society. Their innovative productions clearly uplift people’s spirits.

I actively support the Whangamatā Community Marae and Wellbeing Hub initiative. Assisting to operate the Whangamatā Information Centre over the last four years was a real pleasure. Along with welcoming visitors, we had the opportunity to understand the wants and needs of our community. There’s always lots of work to do and I’d like to be part of that equation.

Phone: 027 497 4825.

Sally Smith

I’m standing for the Community Board because I believe in getting things done.

My positive attitude and strong communication skills, combined with a proven track record of following through on commitments, make me an effective advocate for our community.

My work with Enterprise Whangamata has connected me with hard-working local business owners and dedicated volunteer groups throughout our town.

These relationships have deepened my understanding of what our community needs to thrive.

I want to help shape Whangamata’s future – ensuring development is balanced and fair while protecting the special character that makes this place paradise.

I’ll bring practical solutions and a collaborative approach to every decision.

Ready to work hard for Whangamata’s future.

Call me for a chat on 022 151 0245.

Terry Walker

After three years on the Community Board and nine years as a Councillor for the South East Ward, including Deputy Mayor, I’m standing again to represent the Whangamatā, Onemana, and Ōpoutere communities.

My passion lies in serving the place I live in. I bring experience in process, project, and people management, with a strong focus on core infrastructure, community facilities, and supporting local clubs and initiatives. I understand the legislative changes ahead and how they will shape council priorities.

I’ve lobbied Council for key projects including the Community pool, Portable water modernisation, Public toilet upgrades, Stormwater improvements, and the Nib-kerb road programme. I’ve supported Moana House, Harbour and Beach care, and securing land for a future Community Marae/Hub.

I’ve gained valuable knowledge to continue this work. It’s important we don’t lose momentum on projects already in the pipeline. I’ll bring genuine effort and commitment for the benefit of our community.

Heather Watt

I’ve lived and worked in this region for twelve years and care deeply about the people, places, and future of our community. I’m a New Zealand Registered Nurse with a Master’s degree in Adult Education, with over thirty years experience in the Health and Tertiary sectors. My work has centred on creating opportunities for young people and adults from diverse backgrounds. I’m currently a trustee on the Creative Coromandel/He Mana Toi Moehau Trust, where I advocate for the arts as a vital part of community life and identity.

I’m passionate about community development – supporting local initiatives, strengthening wellbeing, and helping ensure everyone has a voice, especially those who may not usually be heard. I believe in working collaboratively to build vibrant, inclusive communities that look to the future while respecting our unique local identity. I bring energy, experience, and belief in the power of people working together.