Shane Walsh
Te Awamutu-Kihikihi and Pirongia-Kakepuku ward voters brought in three new faces – Te Awamutu Business Chamber chief executive Shane Walsh, former newspaper editor Dean Taylor and Les Bennett – but kept two old ones, Marcus Gower who is back for a sixth term and Clare St Pierre for her fifth.
Kirsten Eden, Dean, Robyn and Ryan Taylor celebrate his victory.
Lou Brown lost his seat after two terms.
Lou Brown 2025
On the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board, Liam Bullen is the new face with Ange Holt, Jill Taylor, Kane Titchener and John Wood retaining their spots.
Walsh, who was born and brought up in Te Awamutu, said he wanted to contribute to the community’s future.
“Kihikihi needs to be heard. That’s something I’ve been focussing on through this whole process. There are a few things there that we need to look at and do better,” he said.
Taylor, also born in Te Awamutu, said the fact that Walsh and he were first and second meant people wanted change.
He wants to do his best for his side of the district and make sure the whole district moves forward in a positive way – “how people want, not just what the government’s telling us and not just what staff are telling us”.
Liam Bullen – 2025
“Shane and I, and a couple of other candidates, have talked about ways to connect the community with the council, and that’s just to be involved.
“I know that past councillors have been involved, I’m not bagging them, but involved at a different level.
Taylor’s hope is to organise a consultation with members of the public.
Clare St Pierre says running for mayor was an amazing experience.
She finished behind new mayor Mike Pettit and Susan O’Regan but remains on council as top polling candidate for the Pirongia-Kakepuku ward.
Les Bennett takes the seat of Bruce Thomas, who did not stand.
Les Bennett – 2025
“It’s pretty daunting and demanding, but people really appreciate anyone putting their hand up and wanting to work for the community,” St Pierre said.
“Then you realise the things that are important to people don’t always match the things that have been brought to the council table.
St Pierre says if she was offered the post of deputy mayor she would take it “but obviously it’s still early days”.
Fellow Pirongia-Kakepuku ward councillor Bennett is part of the Better Waipā team focussed on controlling expenses.
He said it was a bit of a hard campaign and “a lot of dirt got thrown around”.
“Hopefully we can make a bit of change and open up the communications with the community – that seems to be lacking – and get rid of some of the censorship that’s been going on in council,” Bennett said.
Shane and wife Paula celebrating and one with their son, daughter-in-law and grandchild
