Community Board candidates in their own words

1 Oct 2025 • By Staff Reporters

Te Awamutu

The News asked Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board candidates to provide us no more than 30 words on why they were standing for public office and what one bit of difference would they want to make if elected.

Some provided more than we asked for, some were repetitive, so we cropped them back. Here is what they had to say.

Te Awamutu-Kihikihi subdivision

Liam Bullen: The community board is an excellent way to use the skillset and vast experience I have developed as an environmental lawyer to serve and give back to our great district.

I want to bridge the gap between council bureaucracy and the everyday person by making sure the council is focussing its spending on things the community wants and needs.

Liam Bullen – 2025

Ange Holt: Community boards play a vital role as the voice of our community. We need experienced members who understand council processes to continue standing for election — supporting new members and working together to achieve the outcomes our community wants, rather than what others assume are best for us.

I really want to see the community boards have some teeth – to have the respect, standing and influence our community deserves.

Ange Holt – 2025

John Kopa: no responses received

Sharon Stirling: It’s unrealistic to expect any one individual new community board member, councillor or even a new mayor, to effect any great achievement alone. It will be a team effort.

The community board have done a massive amount advocating for our community. I’d like to see their work continued, with greater recognition and acceptance from around the council table.

Sharon Stirling – 2025

Jill Taylor: The community board are here for the community to listen and act and I have done a bit of that. Several projects have been completed in my past term.

The community often feels they are not heard as they feel council carry out their tasks even after consultation. We need to make sure the community are heard.

Jill Taylor – 2025

John Wood: I am standing for the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board to provide a voice for members of this community – a link between the community and elected councillors and council staff.

I would like to promote improvement to the appearance of Te Awamutu shopping area and enhancement of entrances to the town, particularly the main roundabouts.