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This Week’s Issue

Thames Community Board candidates

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August 26, 2025

Statements from Thames Community Board candidates.

Thames Community Board (4 seats, 8 candidates)

Adrian Catran, Steve Hart, Stuart Hislop, Rob Johnston, Glenn Leach, Holly Mackenzie, Cole Justin Mcdowell, Warren Sly.

Adrian Catran

A Thames business person with links to the Cornish Miners who came to Thames in 1869.

Thoroughly enjoy speaking and listening to people. I offer a no-nonsense commonsense approach to local Government. More than 20 years of being an elected member, including 9 years as a District Councillor (6 years as Deputy Mayor) and currently Thames Community Board Chair. Immensely proud of what the Board has achieved over the past 3 years.

As a community minded person, I have sponsored; Thames Youth Rugby, Arts, school trips and individuals. Currently Patron of Thames Valley Pipes & Drums. Previous President of the Hauraki Justice of the Peace Association and established in 2012 the Place at The Table Trust, providing a free Christmas lunch in Thames.

The next three years may be difficult for local government, so strong leadership will be required to ensure that the people of Thames receive what they are entitled to.

Steve Hart

Steve Hart is also standing for Mayor and Council. See his profile on the Thames Ward Council candidate article.

Stuart Hislop

I was born here in Thames and although I moved away when I was young, I have always had family living here and spent a good part of my childhood exploring the peninsula.

My working life has been a jack of all trades, from customer service and sales to engineering workshops, logistics to support worker. I have now established myself as a stone sculptor, my work can be seen at Vessel Artist Co-op of which I am a proud member.

I moved back to Thames in 2020 and have since been finding ways to get more involved in the community.

As your community board representative I will bring true advocacy for the community and be a conduit between the ward and the council as a whole.

While I cannot promise perfection, I can promise to listen to the community and represent that to the best of my ability.

E-mail: stuforcommunityboard@gmail.com

Rob Johnston

I have appreciated the opportunity to serve you and have worked hard on the Thames Community Board as Deputy Chair since 2022.

3 years of representing your interests has given me a good knowledge of local government in this area. I’ve represented the board on the following projects; Kopu Marine, Porritt Park, Moanataieri Lookout Track, Thames Promotion Map Signs, Porritt Park Slip-lane, Kopu Roundabout, Thames Dump Station, Thames Museum extension.

I continue working in my architecture business, am a Trustee of Thames Public Arts Trust and a Life Member of Thames Squash Rackets Club which all contribute to good connections within the community and an understanding of local issues.

The Thames Community Board is a very well-functioning unit; I’d like to build on that and continue to serve the Thames Ward ratepayer. I would very much appreciate your vote.

Glenn Leach

I left Paeroa college in 1965 and worked in the family business A.G. Leach & Co until 1976. Spent 3 year on Nauru Island in the Central Pacific as a mining supervisor. 1980 moved on to our farm in Coroglen. While farming we started our tourism business Aotearoa Tours including Aotearoa Lodge. 1994 we bought and operated Aotearoa Lodge & Conference Centre in Whitianga. In 1994 I also sold rural & tourism properties for Whrightons Real Estate. I retired in 2008.

I chaired Tourism Coromandel from 1989 through to late 1990’s. I was a council member on TCDC 1989 til 1995 and was mayor from 2010 to 2016.

Now that I am living in Thames and retired, owning the Salutation Apartments I feel I have time to give to the Community Board.

Phone: 0274985122

Cole McDowell

Cole is also standing for Council. See his profile on the Thames Ward Council candidate article.

Holly McKenzie

I’m standing for re-election to the Thames Community Board because I’m passionate about being a voice for the younger generation.

I believe in progress, creating more opportunities, supporting young families, and building a future where people have real reason to stay and thrive in Thames.

Over the past term, I’ve brought energy, a fresh perspective, and a genuine commitment to the people of our town. I stand up for what I believe in and am not afraid to change by promoting growth, encouraging innovation, and making sure our town reflects the needs for all generations, especially those building their future here. I would be honored to continue serving as a strong, forward-thinking voice on the Thames-Community Board.

Warren Sly

My name is Warren Sly, I’m standing for the Thames-Coromandel Community Board.

I’m asking for your vote because like you, I want a safe, thriving district where residents and children can grow up with good local services, our seniors are cared for, and our natural environment is protected for future generations.

Supporting local businesses, youth and community groups.
Small businesses, volunteer organisations and our young people are the backbone of our towns.

I’ll work to make it easier for local enterprises to thrive, support initiatives that give young people training and opportunities, and ensure community organisations have the backing they need.

I’m practical, with a proven commitment to community service, accessible and committed to working hard on your behalf. I won’t promise rainbows – but I will promise to show up, to ask the right questions, and fight for fair outcomes for all.