Please note that MPDC candidates were listed within their sections in the order that their nominations were received.

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata-Piako District Council area. I am also standing for Te Aroha Ward,Hauraki District Council - Mayor,Hauraki District Council - Waihi Ward.

Roman Jackson – Age 34 – Army Veteran

If successful in both campaigns for Hauraki and Piako, I would like to discuss the prospect of moving both districts toward amalgamation and would further like to launch operation rental red zone or in layman’s terms, phase out the rate payer. Depending on the condition of the budget this would involve council slowly investing in freehold rental properties while dissolving the existing rates through acquired rental investment. I would like to see us move toward a rate free district. In my mind it is crucial that council own majority rental properties to successfully wage a war against inflation. Under my watch no council owned rental property would exceed $500 a week to give young families a fighting chance to save for a home.

(Swap the rate payer for renters)

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata-Piako District Council area.

As your current Mayor, I have focused on delivering core services and making strategic infrastructure investment, acknowledging there is still room for improvement. I have also fostered relationships that benefit our community.

Local government is facing significant changes. We are living in difficult times, with rising costs impacting both Council and yourselves- something I understand firsthand, as I work alongside my husband on our farm outside of mayoral commitments.

While there are challenges to address, we must not lose sight of opportunities. Our strategic location within the Golden Triangle demands a future development strategy that captures its economic potential for a resilient, thriving community.

My commitment, depth of knowledge and practical experience will be a considerable advantage as we move forward.

That's why I'm seeking your support for another term as Mayor: to deliver value by championing changes that matter, strengthening what's already working and securing our district's future prosperity.

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata-Piako District Council area.

I am seeking your support to re-elect me as Mayor.

After stepping down at the last election from completing twelve years in local government the last three as your Mayor, I have realised that is where my passion is, representing you and our communities.

Unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy is making New Zealand unaffordable to live in and I am not afraid to challenge that. I believe my previous term as Mayor shows that (feel free to google my name for examples).

People are struggling with rising costs, and stress levels are high we need to make sure any future rate increases reflect that reality, they must be necessary, transparent and clearly explained.

I am proud of our district, our communities, our Council and staff and am excited by the prospect to represent you again. For straight-up, honest, approachable Leadership.

Lets do this, Bring Back Ash

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata General Ward area.

Matamata has been my family’s home for over 70 years and, as my wife and I raise our children here, it will be our home for many years to come.

It has been a privilege to serve as a District Councillor for the past nine years as a champion for our future by helping advance the council’s digital strategy, the Open Country Stadium, the Matamata Destination Playground, and strategic growth and water management. I am now seeking the opportunity to serve another term.

There are exciting times ahead as we build a vibrant district! To keep up the momentum I will be a steady hand as we tackle challenges and an effective advocate to have public spaces looking great, communities well connected and efficient council services. I will do what I can for Matamata to be a great place to live, because it is my home too!

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata General Ward area.

With 22 years managing the Matamata Public Relations Association, Business Association, and i-SITE Visitor Centre, followed by two terms as an elected member, I bring local knowledge and governance experience. I have a Diploma in Business and served on the i-SITE Network Board. I am Chair of the Matamata-Piako District Licensing Committee, and a qualified Hearings Commissioner both roles requiring sound judgement.

My involvement in the Waharoa Plan Change working group reflects my commitment to our community.

Recently, with community consultation, Council joined Waikato Waters Done Well, to guarantee future high-quality water services. I will continue to ensure the change to management of our water services is beneficial for the community.

My focus remains on managing growth, investing in infrastructure, and fostering a vibrant economy. Our Council requires experience, courage, strong decision making and strategic thinking.

With your vote, I will continue to ensure Matamata thrives and stays strong.

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata General Ward area.

We live in a very attractive area of the Waikato, so be proud.

The New Zealand population is aging. I feel they are valuable to society because of their lifelong experiences and knowledge. We should make their retirement comfortable and enjoyable.

I would like to bring a slightly different view and set of eyes to the local Council. I want to focus on what is important to the locals, what makes their life more comfortable, be an ear to hear everyone's concerns, and take action on them. 3 Waters needs researching.

What do I bring to the table? An open mind, one that does not take kindly to falsehoods, I have an opinion, but I am also capable of listening to others. I have a very sporting background, thus my interest in maintaining or improving what we have to help us be healthy and active is important.

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

I have been privileged to be one of your elected representatives for this last triennium. I have advocated for common sense, pragmatism and equality of opportunity for all. This coming term, if I have your endorsement as councillor, I will continue to promote this core principles. I will work towards more stringent financial prudence, decreasing expenditure and focussing on the very basics of council operations to further invest in our infrastructure, roads and to keep the Council accountable, thus advancing our town and district. Although I live just outside of the ward, but I have established my life as a Matamata local through my work at the Gull service station, community involvement and the many relationships I have built within the town.

I am humbly asking for the privilege of representing this ward, as I strive to advance the best interests of the people through common sense.

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata General Ward area.

I am proud to call Matamata my home, and believe that our town deserves to be thriving, vibrant and alive, with all residents living and working with well maintained, fit for purpose facilities and robust infrastructure that doesn’t cost us the earth to maintain.

For the last nine years I have lobbied and voted for sensible and rational decisions affecting our community. I examine the facts, consider the long-term impacts and analyse any financial impact on our rates.

I have championed consultation on significant issues; listened to your opinions; advocated on your behalf and kept you as informed as I could.

I don’t seek the limelight, just your on-going trust. I prefer to do the hard work behind the scenes, so I can make sensible decisions on matters that affect us all.

Contact: Mobile: (027) 271-9007

Email: kevinrextappin@gmail.com

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata General Ward area.

I was raised in Matamata and it is where I went to school. I have my roots in our district and after having lived overseas for many years, I'm now living in Matamata and working as the General Manager at Wheelie Bin Services. In my job I talk to many people within our district and often hear concerns that people have about some of the decisions being made by the Council and the impact on local businesses and ratepayers.

I'm keen to make a difference and I have decided to run for MPDC as a Councillor to have a positive impact within our community. Before running Wheelie Bin Services I was working in the corporate world in IT Procurement and Service Delivery. I understand how to keep costs down in a business and hope to use my experience to help the Council keep costs and therefore rates down too.

My principal place of residence is in the Matamata General Ward area.

I'm standing to help build a stronger, more connected Matamata. I'm Maori, Samoan, a proud dad, and someone who works daily with our most vulnerable rangatahi. At Starfish Social Services, I support at-risk youth to realise their potential and navigate life's challenges. I'm also studying a Bachelor of Counselling to better serve our youth and wider community.

Raised in Matamata, I travelled to the UK for rugby and life experience before returning in 2015 with my wife Nadine to raise our two boys. For the past decade, I've proudly represented United Matamata Sports as a player and coach.

I'm focused on practical, sustainable solutions that deliver the best value for our people. I believe in community-led change, driven by empathy, action, and accountability. It would be a privilege to give back and serve the town that continues to shape who I am.

My principal place of residence is in the Morrinsville General Ward area.

Hi, I’m Grace — a mum, small business owner, vocal rugby sideline supporter, and proud Kiwitahi local.

If you’re looking for someone who's down to earth, isn’t afraid of a bit of healthy competition, and is committed to making our community a great place for families, kids, and everyone in between — I’d be honoured to earn your vote.

Because sometimes, what a community really needs is someone who can keep the cows in line, knows the value of a good downpour, and understands that growth — whether on the farm or in our town — takes care, commitment, and a bit of muck on your boots.

My principal place of residence is in the Morrinsville General Ward area.

As a born and bred Morrinsville resident I am passionate about our district and am excited about the possibilities ahead.

We are a growing district and that comes with both challenges and opportunities.

Our town has just got to 10,000 residents and planning to meet future growth is important.

We are in a strategic location near Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland and this will be a strength.

It is wonderful to see the continuing development of our recreation ground and more and more groups are using this area.

I am fortunate to have my son, daughter in law and grandsons working and living in the district and my wife is a long-term teacher at Morrinsville College.

With 12 years on council and 9 years as deputy mayor I offer the experience, passion and energy to carry on working for Morrinsville and the wider district and seek your support to achieve this.

My principal place of residence is in the Morrinsville General Ward area.

I have six years experience as your Morrinsville Ward Councillor. I have learnt what Local Government is all about, I take part fully in the decision making of Council and enjoy standing up for you, the community.

We have traversed the difficult years of high inflation and the earlier 3 Waters reform. We have now agreed to partner with like-minded neighbouring Councils to deliver our Water and Wastewater needs through Waikato Waters Limited, a Council Controlled Organisation where we keep ownership of the assets.

The present Government is making major changes to things like the Resource Management Act. It will also require Local Government to refocus and deliver the basics in the most cost effective and efficient way. We all want to live in a vibrant, thriving, and safe community. We can have that without breaking the bank and I look forward to helping deliver that for you.

My principal place of residence is in the Morrinsville General Ward area.

I appreciated being on council last term, and while the red tape does get frustrating at times, I found enjoyment in uncovering ways to help drive council to more efficient outcomes.

During my time I have come to believe we have a very good council with great staff, sometimes however I found council’s environment of regulation limits the types of creative solutions we need to find in the day-to-day business environment.

If given the opportunity to join council for the next term I intend to use my background in business and manufacturing along with what I have learned of council over the last three years to help drive more forward thinking, more engagement with new technologies such as AI and less time looking in the rear view mirror at how things used to be done.

My principal place of residence is in the Morrinsville General Ward area.

I am proud to stand for re-election to represent Morrinsville - a town built on hard work, heart, and genuine community spirit.

As a small business owner and first term councillor, I have seen firsthand what it takes to serve our community with dedication and integrity. My experience in council has deepened my understanding of the issues that matter most and strengthened my passion for fostering a thriving region.

Supporting local enterprise, protecting our natural environment, and encouraging active community engagement are at the heart of my mission. I bring energy, transparency, and hard work to the table.

I am not here for empty promises - I'm here to represent us with purpose. Together, we can build a future that empowers our community - from urban through to rural.

Your voice deserves to shape what comes next. Let's make it count.

Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Morrinsville General Ward area.

Kia ora koutou,

My name is Wayne Aberhart. I served 35 years in the New Zealand Police, including 15 years in Youth Aid, with postings in Wellington, Wainuiomata, Chatham islands, Waverley, and Morrinsville. I chaired the Eastern Waikato Family Safety Network, managed the ROCK ON truancy initiative, and oversaw the Waikato Police vehicle fleet.

After retiring, I became a qualified driving instructor, now running a successful business across Morrinsville, Matamata, Cambridge, and Hamilton. I also served on the board of St Joseph’s School and chaired the Morrinsville Community House during a key restructure.

I’ve coached age-grade cricket, chaired the Waikato Valley Cricket Board, and currently serve as President.

My wife and I live in Mangateparu on our lifestyle block, where we raised our two sons.

I believe in practical, community-first leadership and would be honoured to represent our district on Council.

Ngā mihi nui,

Wayne Aberhart

Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Te Aroha General Ward area.

I’ve proudly called the Matamata-Piako District home for over 30 years.

Starting in Matamata and now living in Te Aroha. This is where I bought my first home, raised my children, and built strong community ties.

With over 10 years of experience working within Council, I understand its operations and the dedication required to serve effectively. As a former local business owner and current property manager, I’ve seen the importance of economic vitality and community connection.

I’m inspired by the hard work of our local organisations and want to ensure their voices—and those of our wider community—are heard at the Council table.

I believe in a practical, back-to-basics approach focused on transparency, logic, and care. I’m committed to helping restore and revitalise our towns and will work hard to support growth, unity, and local progress.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our district’s future.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Aroha General Ward area.

I am a dairy farmer and a long-time resident of the Te Aroha area. I am married and have two sons.

I would like to see Council focussed on core projects such as water, rubbish, and roads and adopt a more business centric model to minimise financial burdens on ratepayers.

I have experience in governance, ranging from Board of Trustees, Federated Farmers, Farm Environment Awards, Waihou-Piako River Catchment, and the Waikato Farmers Trust and have the skills to make informed business decisions.

In my role as President of Waikato Federated Farmers I spent a significant amount of time negotiating and networking with local and regional councils as well as community and industry groups.

I have deep connections within the community and have retained networks within business and governance.Thank you for your consideration.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Aroha General Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor,Hauraki District Council - Mayor,Hauraki District Council - Waihi Ward.

Roman Jackson – Age 34 – Army Veteran

For the Te Aroha ward, I would utilize my military and security operational experience with a prime focus on CCTV expansion and surveillance operations. With the help of some Army comrades we would look at establishing Shadow Group, a surveillance task force that operates at night from public tip-offs to capture evidential crime before it happens and then detaining the individual or individuals. The land belongs to those who have sworn an oath to defend it so we will conduct our duties against crime as we see fit. This includes theft and domestic violence call outs.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Aroha General Ward area.

My recent semi-retirement from successful private business has allowed me and my wife, Gaye, the pleasure of resettling in Te Aroha - 3 years ago - where we have both become involved with community groups and activities.

Growing up on a family dairy farm taught me responsibility, strong work ethics, respect for the land and wildlife and the value of contributing to the community. This now includes a desire to serve Te Aroha on Council.

After studying horticulture and aquaculture and then working in those industries, I developed New Zealand’s largest aquaculture and maritime tertiary educational institute, which I managed for 25 years.

On being elected I have the time to serve as your representative and would actively engage with the Te Aroha electorate to address your needs and concerns, ensure sound governance, maintain a balanced budget, and be a voice for the people of Te Aroha.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Aroha General Ward area.

My wife Charlotte and I welcomed our first child, Sophie, last Christmas. We’ve been living here for four years and really value being part of the community.

I work from home as an engineer and co-founder of a startup developing GPS eartags for cattle, and I’m also finishing a PhD in electronics. Charlotte works as a vet in Morrinsville.

I want to be a councillor because my kids will grow up in Te Aroha, and I’d like to do my part to make it the best community possible.

I’d love to see Te Aroha become a more vibrant, active town — with strong businesses, full buildings, and a sense of local pride.

Achieving this will take careful balance: maintaining high-quality essential services and infrastructure, being financially responsible, and ensuring non-essential projects genuinely benefit our future.

Te Aroha needs strong representation and common-sense decision-making — I believe I can offer both.

My principal place of residence is in the Te Aroha General Ward area.

My name is Greg Marshall, and I have proudly called Te Aroha home for over 30 years. During this time, I have married, raised my family here, worked across industries including meat, music, and accommodation, while being actively involved in many community events.

I have always had a strong interest in local politics because I believe in the power of community ownership and decision-making. Te Aroha is a special place, and I am committed to ensuring its future social and economic wellbeing.

As your representative, I look forward to:

Working alongside council staff, ratepayers and community to strengthen our community; Advocating for sustainable developments that benefits current and future generations; Protect and promote local ownership of our resources and decisions.

We are losing ownership of our community. Vote Greg Marshall

My principal place of residence is in the Te Aroha General Ward area.

I’m standing to ensure Te Aroha has strong, local representation by someone who understands and lives the realities of our community. With deep roots in Te Aroha, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges we face—from water supply issues and extreme weather events to rising rates and the need to protect our local assets. If elected, I will prioritise investment in resilient infrastructure that ensures reliable water and wastewater services. I will advocate for fair and transparent rates that reflect responsible spending, while ensuring that key services like our library, Domain, spa, and town centre are retained and enhanced. I believe Te Aroha deserves a voice that is present, accountable, and focused on what matters most. I bring practical experience, a collaborative approach, and a strong connection to the people and place I serve. I’m committed to putting our community first and helping shape a resilient, thriving future for Te Aroha.

Ko Gary Thompson ahau. I am honoured to again stand for Te Toa Horopu ā Matamata Piako. 

As the inaugural Māori Ward Councillor, I committed to embed a kaupapa Māori voice at the decision-making tables of Council. I’ve taken every opportunity to strengthening Council relationships with hapū and iwi, to understand the impacts of current and future Treaty Settlement on our district, and to find ways to audit councils response to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I take every opportunity to talk about the impacts of Councils policies on Māori communities, Māori land, the Māori economy, and about the injustices these policies deliver to Māori. I mihi and tautoko every whānau Māori and speakers of Reo Māori who come to Council to present their views on issues that affect our people. 

I am a resident of the Matamata Piako District.

Cast your vote to keep Māori Wards