Cr Duncan was one of five councillors representing the ward, which covers eastern and western parts of Porirua. Under electoral requirements, the council must hold a by-election to fill the vacancy.

Porirua’s Deputy Electoral Officer, Jack Marshall, said potential voters should check they are enrolled, while anyone considering standing should begin preparing their nomination.

“We’re entering a crucial period for Porirua and the wider region, with big issues such as amalgamation on the table, but there are also the important local decisions needing to be made by Porirua City Council’s elected members each week,” he said.

“Mike is a big loss for our community, we will miss his experience and attention to detail around the Council table. His replacement will have big shoes to fill but it’s vital we have full representation in place to discuss, deliberate and make the decisions that are required for the future of our city.”

Nominations open on 9 July and close at midday on Thursday 6 August.

The by-election will be held by postal vote, with voting papers delivered from 14 September. Votes must be returned by midday on 16 October, with counting and results to follow shortly after.

The other current Onepoto General Ward councillors are Hemi Fermanis, Kathleen Filo, Izzy Ford and Geoff Hayward.

Nomination documents are available from the council front counter on Cobham Court, Titahi Bay Library, Cannons Creek Library and the central city library. They can also be downloaded from poriruacity.govt.nz/elections.

Candidates will also be able to record a one-minute video outlining what they stand for, which will be published on the council website to help voters make their decision.

Voters can check whether they are eligible to vote in the Onepoto General Ward by using the ward finder at poriruacity.govt.nz/elections. Enrolment details can be checked at vote.nz.

Election queries can be emailed to elections@poriruacity.govt.nz.

I bring broad life experience, including time working alongside government officials and
emergency services during disaster response. I also remain actively involved in my local
church community. These experiences have shaped my belief in service, integrity, and
common-sense decision-making.

If elected, I will advocate for practical solutions that protect our environment, improve water
quality, and enhance our regional parks. My goal is to ensure Greater Wellington delivers
real value and long-term resilience for local communities.
To achieve this, I am standing on seven key priorities:

1. Smarter Waste Solutions — Forward-thinking alternatives to landfill expansion,
   including anaerobic digestion.
2. Glyphosate-Free Porirua — A phase-out of toxic weedkillers, replaced with safe,
   sustainable methods.
3. Clean Water and Strong Oversight — Strict monitoring and enforcement around
   wastewater treatment.
4. Rates That Stay Local — Procurement policies that prioritise New Zealand
   businesses and workers.
5. Access to Battle Hill — Public transport links to Battle Hill Farm Forest Park.
6. Resilient Emergency Hubs — Starlink kits to strengthen community
   communications during disasters.
7. Honest Recycling — Audits and transparency so residents know where their
   recycling goes.

These priorities reflect what residents are asking for: environmental protection, transparency,
resilience, and practical solutions.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578875349203

Authorised by Daniel Hicks, danielhicks4greaterwellington@gmail.com

Being a proud Porirua resident for 21+ years I’ve raised our family, coached junior sport and
play masters Football representing Porirua, while experiencing a wide range of activities
Porirua has to offer.

As a small business owner in the residential building sector, I understand the importance of
fiscal responsibility and delivering projects on budget. I believe in capping rates to inflation,
making council be razor-focused on expenditure and only through community referendum
can an increase be sought.

I’m passionate about Porirua City and want to serve the community and help grow the city
through transparency, and strong infrastructure to manage residential and commercial
growth that benefits all.

Vote #1 for Brent Ching

Pauatahanui resident David Christensen, who has more than 40 years’ experience in project management, audit and recovery, told Porirua News his review of council long-term plans, annual reports and financial disclosures showed about $90 million in planned projects had not been delivered in the past five years. He said this included work funded by borrowing, and in some cases, the borrowed funds were not used for their intended purpose.

Christensen also raised concerns about a lack of detailed public reporting on delayed or cancelled projects. “The public is told work will happen, then when it doesn’t, there’s little to no explanation. The information just isn’t there,” he told Porirua News.

Debt growth was another key issue highlighted in Christensen’s findings. According to his analysis, council debt has almost doubled from about $136 million in 2015 to more than $260 million today, with projections showing it could reach $900 million by 2034. He said this trend, combined with what he described as cost overruns in day-to-day spending, risked putting further strain on ratepayers.

Council response

Porirua City Council Chief Financial Officer Ian Dennis acknowledged difficulties in delivering some capital programmes in recent years, citing rising construction costs, changing priorities and national policy shifts.

“Costs are rising faster than consumer inflation, climate change, population growth, and new rules and responsibilities introduced by successive governments,” Dennis told Porirua News. “Almost all councils are struggling with debt levels that would have been inconceivable just a few years ago.”

He said many councils have recognised a historic underspend on infrastructure, with a “tidal wave of investment” now required as assets near the end of their lifespan.

Dennis said the council had “spot checked some of the numbers from the ‘Annual Opex Comparison’ table” in Christensen’s analysis and attempted to match them to figures in the relevant annual reports, but had been unable to do so at this stage.

Election year spotlight
Christensen said he has shared his findings with several first-time council candidates ahead of October’s local elections. He believes greater transparency, project-by-project public reporting and stronger oversight from elected members are essential.

The council has not yet provided a full reconciliation of Christensen’s data but said it continues to work within the constraints of a challenging funding environment.

Jenny Petherick told Porirua News she has paid her rates by automatic payment for more than 30 years and has no intention of switching to direct debit. In June, she hand-delivered a letter to the council after receiving notice that automatic payments would be replaced, but says she never received a reply. “I also tried ringing twice, no answer,” Petherick said. “If we do not pay our rates by the due date we will be charged a penalty, how unreasonable.”

Yvette Rigby, another long-term automatic payer, said she was shocked to be told she was behind on her payments and would need to pay $1,000 within a month to avoid a 10 percent penalty. “I received no notification of any changes to my payment plan,” Rigby said. “It is extraordinary that the council would take such a harsh stance without clear communication, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”

Critics argue that forcing residents into direct debits removes their control over household finances, particularly for those on fixed or low incomes who need to manage payments closely. They warn it also reduces ratepayers’ ability to monitor increases and plan ahead.

Some residents are calling for the policy to be scrapped immediately, for an apology to be issued to those affected, and for assurances that multiple payment options will remain available without penalties.

Porirua News has contacted the council for comment and requested any internal directives relating to payment methods. Their response is expected soon and will form the focus of our next update.

A strong Letter to the Editor is short, clear, and persuasive, making it easy for readers, and editors, to understand your point quickly. The most effective letters follow a simple structure:

1. Opening line / hook: Grab attention from the first sentence, and clearly state the topic you’re responding to, whether it’s a recent article, decision, or public event.
2. State your position: Make your stance clear early on, whether you agree, disagree, or want to offer a new perspective.
3. Provide evidence or reasoning: Support your view with one to three key points, using facts, personal experience, or logical arguments. Keep numbers simple and relevant.
4. Call to action or closing point: End with what you want readers, officials, or the community to consider or act on.
5. Signature: Include your full name, suburb or community, and optionally your relevant role or affiliation.

Letters should be up to 250 words. They must be respectful but can be firm in expressing opinions. Personal attacks will not be published. Keep paragraphs short, two to four is ideal for readability.

To submit your letter, email editor@poriruanews.co.nz with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. We look forward to hearing your voice in the local conversation.

My focus will be on ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of core Council services.
Over the 10-year period from 2020 to 2029 GWRC has, or is forecast to, increase rates
income by $242 million or over 180%. This increase is almost five times higher than the
projected inflation rate for the same period.

I know all Councils are facing significant cost pressures, but an increase of over 180% is
unaffordable for many households and businesses. My goal is to work with fellow
Councillors and the Council leadership team to seek efficiencies and achieve a better
outcome for ratepayers.

About me
I have spent my career in finance, marketing, asset management, project delivery and
general management positions mostly in large corporates. My most recent role was as Chief
Executive of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association. I have an active interest in
environmental protection and am on the management committee of The Guardians of the
Pāuatahanui Inlet. We work to restore the health of this nationally significant estuary.

GWRC is a significant organisation with forecast total assets of $4.1billion by 2029 and
annual expenditure of $744 million, nearly three quarters of a billion dollars. I would value
the opportunity to contribute to the Council delivering fantastic outcomes for our wider
community and would consider it a privilege to represent the Porirua-Tawa constituency in
doing so.

My priorities

1. The provision of high-quality cost-effective core services.
2. Ensuring our environment is protected for future generations.
3. Working collaboratively with regional stakeholders to improve delivery.

Authorised by Grenville Gaskell
grenvillegaskell@gmail.com

The image of Ellen Tamati, a kuia bearing moko kauae, appeared in a series of advertisements by lobby group Hobson’s Pledge urging voters to reject Māori wards. It was accompanied by the slogan: “My mana doesn’t need a mandate.” The campaign ran in multiple regions before being pulled following intense public backlash.

Tamati said she was “lost for words” after seeing her face used to support a message she fundamentally opposes. The photo had been taken on Waitangi Day and uploaded to Shutterstock for editorial use only, a restriction that excludes political or commercial advertising.

“I did not give anyone permission to use my mug, my moko kauae… It is not me,” she told Aukaha News through tears. Her whānau say she was devastated by the image’s use. “They have takahi [trampled] on my nan’s mana and put words in her mouth she did not say,” said granddaughter Anahera Parata.

While Hobson’s Pledge apologised and removed the billboard, they admitted they failed to check the usage rights attached to the image. The group maintained that the image had been purchased legally, but the kuia’s whānau say the apology falls far short.

In Porirua, where Māori representation is embedded in the city’s electoral structure, the incident has struck a chord, especially as voters prepare for local elections.

Ngāti Toa Deputy CEO Jennie Smeaton told Porirua News the campaign has caused immense hurt and reinforces the need for stronger protections around Māori identity and imagery.

“Ngāti Toa acknowledges the grief and mamae that Whaea Ellen Tamati and her whānau must be experiencing at the moment,” said Smeaton. “The abuse and misuse of her image without consent emphasises the urgent need for safeguards across Aotearoa.”

Smeaton said Hobson’s Pledge represents “the repugnant side of humanity,” and called for clearer regulations to prevent similar misuse during future campaigns. “Let’s hope that across Porirua we can set a standard and lead by example on respectful campaigning, particularly when we see low participation in local government. Play the ball and not the person.”

Porirua Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi called the billboard “disgraceful, unacceptable, and very upsetting.”

“Using the face of a kuia Māori without consent and in the manner it was done is disrespectful and a deliberate attempt to mislead and manipulate,” she said. “In Porirua, we respect Mana Whenua. As a council, we work in partnership with Ngāti Toa Rangatira.”

Councillor Geoff Hayward (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) said the incident reflects a pattern of disregard for Māori tikanga. “To abuse ta moko is to abuse our stories and those who carry them,” he said. “Our stories are a taonga, and ta moko is a living expression of those stories, layered with meaning, connection and context.

Hobson’s Pledge has shown itself to be ngākau rua: saying one thing while doing another. Their actions reveal their true intentions, to take what is not theirs, to deceive and to divide.”

Mayor Anita Baker said she was saddened but not surprised. “Seeing Māori imagery used without consent for political point-scoring is sad and disappointing. It undermines the dignity of the individual involved and disrespects the culture it claims to depict,” she said.

“In Porirua, honouring the Treaty partnership and showing respect between cultures isn’t just a policy, it’s a way of life. We’ll keep doing the work here: walking alongside mana whenua, listening, and building a city that reflects and respects all who call it home.”

MP for Mana Barbara Edmonds also voiced strong support for the whānau. “It is wrong and completely inappropriate,” she said. “The fact that Hobson’s Pledge had to purchase a photo of a wahine Māori to support their anti-Māori agenda shows they couldn’t get Māori to support their views.”

As local body elections loom, many in Porirua say the misuse of Ellen Tamati’s image is a timely reminder that campaigns must be built on integrity, respect, and truth, not misrepresentation or cultural exploitation.

“Make the local government space an area that our rangatahi may want to pursue,” said Smeaton. “That starts with showing respect, for people, for stories, and for the kaupapa.”

Rhodes, who is married to Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, says their shared interest in local government doesn’t mean their campaigns are linked.

“Anita and I have always had our own perspectives and work in completely different parts of the system,” Rhodes said. “She’s the mayor of the city, I’m running for regional council and a constituency that covers Porirua and a part of Wellington City — different jobs, different conversations, entirely separate entities.”

With a career that spans both public and private sectors, Rhodes says he’s motivated by a desire to improve transparency and performance at the regional level.

“The Greater Wellington Regional Council has been able to increase rates by a staggering 55 percent over the last three years — that’s the second-highest cumulative increase in the country,” he said. “It’s time we had people on the council asking harder questions and pushing for real value for money.”

Rhodes is campaigning on three core priorities: transport, the environment, and housing.

On public transport, he advocates for routes that serve the most people efficiently and wants to ensure Porirua and Tawa residents get reliable, affordable services.

To protect local waterways, Rhodes backs planting catchment areas and preventing sediment runoff, which he says will reduce flood risk and improve harbour health.

For housing, he supports planning that promotes growth along rail corridors while cutting red tape to make new builds more affordable.

“I’m looking forward to meeting as many people in Tawa and Porirua as I can over the weeks ahead,” he said. “I understand local government and I want to be a community voice at the regional table.”

This city has shaped who I am. Porirua is full of energy, heart and determination. It’s diverse, hard-working, and straight-talking, just like the people who live here. And that’s why I’ve decided to run for a third term.

The last few years haven’t been easy. For many households, the cost of living is the toughest it’s been in a generation. I hear it every day, from young parents trying to stretch the grocery budget to retirees worried about their rates bill. At the same time, councils like ours are expected to deliver more and more, upgrading infrastructure, protecting the environment, and maintaining services – with limited resources. But I’ve never been afraid of hard work or hard decisions.

My focus has been on getting the basics right, upgrading our pipes, restoring our harbour, and investing in stormwater systems. We’ve planted over 359,000 native trees to protect our environment and improve water quality, with 155,000 more to come. These aren’t flashy projects, but they matter.

Water infrastructure is a huge part of the challenge ahead. Porirua, like other councils in the region, is now in a transition period as we help shape a new regional water entity. Done right, it will provide more consistent funding, better planning, and stronger delivery. I’ll be working hard to make sure Porirua gets its fair share, because we can’t afford to be left behind.

Rates are another pressure point. I know how hard it is right now. That’s why I’ve pushed for responsible budgeting and made sure our increases have stayed the lowest in the Wellington region. Every dollar matters, and we’ve had to make tough calls to strike the right balance between what’s needed and what people can afford.

But being Mayor isn’t just about budgets and pipes. It’s about showing up. In the last year alone, I’ve been to over 250 community events, from school prizegiving’s and sports finals to Pasifika festivals, marae gatherings, and church services. That’s how I stay connected. That’s where trust is built.

I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but I know there’s more to do. We’ve started involving people in new ways, like our Citizens’ Assembly on Climate, and I want to keep that going. Because when people are part of the solution, we make better decisions.

This isn’t a time for chopping and changing. It’s a time for steady, practical leadership. If that’s what you value, I’d be honoured to keep serving as your Mayor.

Regards Anita