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Kandi Ngataki and Vern Reeve are standing for re-election as Tuakau-Pokeno ward councillors on the Waikato District Council.
Tuakau, Pokeno, and Mercer are communities with proud histories and exciting futures. As these towns grow, so too does the need for strong local leadership – leadership that understands our people, our places, and our aspirations.
That is why we, Kandi Ngataki, a mother of four tamariki and one mokopuna, and Vern Reeve, 76 years young, married to Vicky, father of two and proud grandfather, are standing together for re-election in the Tuakau–Pokeno Ward.
We live here, our families are here, and our hearts are firmly rooted here. Every decision we make at the council table is guided by one principle: what is best for our communities, now and for generations to come.
Local voices that get results. Over the past term, we’ve worked hard to ensure your voices are not only heard but acted upon. With Tuakau, Pokeno, and Mercer growing faster than much of the district, the challenges are real—housing, roading, waste management, and ensuring fit-for-purpose community facilities. We have fought to make sure this growth is supported with the right infrastructure so our towns are not left behind.
We have secured support for projects that benefit local families: advancing development at Munro Park in Pokeno, backing new sports and recreational facilities, and delivering initiatives that improve safety, such as security cameras and graffiti removal.
Being a councillor is about standing up for our people and is more than attending meetings—it’s about being present, listening, and working with locals to get things done.
Each of us has committed 20 years plus to our communities, grassroots initiatives, boards, and committees.
Growth puts pressure on our infrastructure, roads, bridges, and public spaces. Without strong advocacy and consulting, decisions can be made without considering local needs.
We are working with council planners on the Harrisville Bridge improvements, the Buckland Road–George Street roundabout, and the Tuakau Swimming Pool upgrade— all requiring persistence and local knowledge. Looking forward, we will continue pushing for the Pokeno Community Hub, Munro Sports Park, and roading improvements that make life safer for families and businesses.
Local leadership also means protecting everyday services. Something as simple as household waste collection can make a big difference. We have been strong advocates for retaining wheelie bin services and will continue to push for practical solutions and waste minimisation education programmes that suit our communities.
Growth often creates tension—between residents and developers, or even council and the public. Our track record is one of negotiation, collaboration, and building consensus. Vern’s strength is guiding people through issues with fairness and empathy. Kandi’s strength is persistence and advocacy, ensuring community voices are not lost. Together, we are an effective team that gets results.
Priorities for the next term include:
- Infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
- Advocating for facilities that support families, sports, and cultural groups.
- Progressing a future-proofed transport hub for our towns.
- Initiatives that keep communities safe and welcoming.
- Fairness and consistency district-wide for rates and services
- Local government decisions affect us all — roads we drive on, the parks our children play in, and developments that will shape our future.
We live here, we are not outsiders. We are your neighbours, your fellow community members, and your strongest advocates at the council table.
