Teen elected to council

New councillor Fabio Rodrigues says it’s an incredible honour to have been elected to represent the Tuakau-Pokeno ward on the Waikato District Council.

Vern Reeve returns as Tuakau-Pokeno ward councillor, joined by newcomer Fabio Rodrigues, who was less than 100 votes behind Reeve, and ousting Kandi Ngataki.

“Winning this seat means a lot, not just for me personally, but for our entire community. This campaign was built on the idea of change, representation, and giving a stronger voice to the people of Tuakau and Pokeno. To now see that message resonates with voters is both humbling and inspiring,” Rodrigues said.

“I am proud to be one of the three youngest councillors ever elected in New Zealand, and I see this as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to our council table.

“Over the next three years, my focus will be on supporting practical initiatives like wheelie bins for better waste management, strengthening local infrastructure, ensuring fairer rates, and promoting accountability. I want to make sure growth in our ward happens in a way that truly benefits our people.”

Peter Thomson safely defended his seat from challenger Amanda Rutherford to retain the Awaroa-Maramaru ward. Carolyn Eyre was uncontested in the Western Districts ward and returns for another term on the Waikato District Council.

The Tuakau Community Board is Christopher Betty, Peter Coleman, Davendra Kumar, Richard Gee, Grace Tema-Liapaneke, and Rawhiti-Whenua Matena Ngataki.

The Rural-Port Waikato Community Board (4) has been elected unopposed. The representatives of the North Subdivision are Trish Murray and Leah Fry. The representatives of the South Subdivision are Flee Coker-Grey and Jo-Ann Townsend.

Waikato District also voted to remove Maaori wards, with 10,065 for their removal, and 9,358 in favour of retaining them.

North Waikato final results

Awaroa-Maramarua General Ward (1 position)
Peter Thomson 930
Amanda Rutherford 330
Tuakau-Pōkeno General Ward (2 positions)
Vern Reeve 1,338
Fabio Rodrigues 1,274
Stephanie Henderson 1,073
Kandi Ngataki 716
Bronwyn Heath 653
Western Districts General Ward (1 position)
Carolyn Eyre elected unopposed
Tuakau Community Board (6 positions)
Christopher Betty 1,008
Peter Coleman 855
Davendra Kumar 802
Richard Gee 717
Grace Tema-Liapaneke 676
Rawhiti-Whenua Matena Ngataki 656
Lee Watson – 624
David Henderson – 482
Rural-Port Waikato Community Board (4 positions)
Trish Murray elected unopposed
Leah Fry elected unopposed
Flee Coker-Grey elected unopposed
Jo-Ann Day-Townsend elected unopposed