As voting closes today at noon, Porirua News asked candidates for their final message to voters, in their own words. Here’s what they had to say before the polls close at 12 noon, Saturday 11 October:
Kathleen Filo – Mayoral Candidate & Onepoto General Ward
Make your voice heard. If you want change, take the time to read up, vote wisely, and choose the people who will genuinely be your voice and deliver real accountability, transparency, and value for money. You can read more about my plan and see the rates validation work at kathleenfilo.com/plan.
Chris Ellis – Onepoto General Ward
You may know one of the candidates personally or by reputation, if you believe they’ll represent you honestly, vote for them. If not, I’d be honoured to earn your number one vote. After 16 years of giving free legal advice to local people, I know our community’s challenges and potential. Porirua needs councillors who listen and genuinely want to make life a little easier.
Geoff Hayward – Onepoto General Ward
If we want a city that thrives for everyone, we need the voices of those who don’t always get heard. I stand for transparency, fairness, and strong leadership that gets results. I’m standing in Onepoto because I believe in a city that thrives for everyone, put Geoff first, and I’ll be your voice.
Ura Wilson-Pokoati – Mayoral Candidate & Onepoto General Ward
This weekend, I’m asking you to vote for a future that reflects who we are and where we’re going. I am for people, progress, and partnerships, because Porirua thrives when we uplift our communities, move forward together, and honour the relationships that make us strong.
Vote for Māori wards. Vote for transparency. Vote for climate action shaped by the wisdom of our Porirua Assembly. Vote for shared decision-making that includes everyone.
If you want leadership that listens, acts, and reflects the people, then vote Ura. For Mayor. For Onepoto Councillor. For a thriving Porirua that leads the way for the rest of Aotearoa. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Let’s make it count.
Moze Galo – Onepoto General Ward
Porirua’s strength is its people. Over the past six years I have worked to make sure council decisions reflect real lives, families, ratepayers, sports clubs, and local businesses. As you head to the polls, vote for someone you know will do the work. I will keep showing up, listening, and speaking honestly, not just at election time.
Angel Domingos – Onepoto General Ward
Find the candidate/s that align with your values and what you would like to see happen in our city and go and vote. Your vote can and does make a difference.
Yan Zhang – Onepoto General Ward
Porirua deserves a council that listens, reforms, and acts with transparency and accountability. I’ll keep working for financial openness, fair education, and safer communities. Please vote for a voice that truly works for you.
Rawinia Rimene – Parirua Māori Ward
Porirua is ready for unapologetic, visionary leadership. Vote for someone who will protect our mana, amplify our voices, and architect legacy, not just policy. Your vote is a declaration of the future you believe in.
Ross Leggett – Pāuatahanui Ward
Every vote is a voice for the kind of community we want to be. Local government affects our daily lives, from roads and footpaths to libraries and parks. Please vote by dropping off your ballot before noon Saturday, 11 October.
Kylie Wihapi – Māori Ward
Please say yes to Māori wards. Representation matters, and so does your vote.
Brent Ching – Pāuatahanui Ward
Residents need confidence in their council to deliver strong governance and fiscal discipline. I’ll bring small business accountability to city decision-making, focused on roads, infrastructure, and real value for ratepayers. Do you want change?
Anita Baker – Mayor of Porirua
Local government decisions affect our daily lives, from roads and parks to libraries and water quality. Your vote is your voice on what kind of city we want to build together. If you haven’t already, make sure your ballot is posted or dropped off at a voting box before noon on Saturday.
Nathan Waddle – Pāuatahanui Ward
Get out and vote! If you don’t vote, you don’t have a reason to complain. If you haven’t received your voting papers, make a special vote today, don’t wait.
Moira Lawler – Pāuatahanui Ward
Make sure you vote, it only takes 10 minutes but has 3 years of impact. Vote for me if you want someone with council experience, a commitment to engaging communities, and the energy to represent you well.
Phill Houlihan – Pāuatahanui Ward
Even if I’m not your number one, having me around the council table will mean a strong voice against wasteful spending and rates increases. We all benefit from a more efficient council and lower rates.
Porirua Decides: Election results announced soon. Stay tuned to: https://www.poriruanews.co.nz/porirua-local-election-2025/ for full coverage.