South Wairarapa’s candidates confirmed for 2025 local election

Nominations for South Wairarapa’s candidates for this year’s local elections closed at 12 midday today (1 August 2025).

33 nominations have been received to be elected a member for South Wairarapa Mayor, Council or Community Board, and four for Greytown District Trust Lands Trust. The final list of candidates and can be viewed at: electionz.com 

This nominations result is similar to the 2022 local elections, which had 35 nominations across the Mayor, Council and Community Board.  

“It’s incredibly heartening to see so many people stepping forward to stand and represent their communities. I commend every nominee for their dedication and investment into local democracy” shares Chief Executive Janice Smith.   

Provisionally, based on the nominations received at closing date, the Mayor, each of the General Wards, the Māori Ward and Featherston and Greytown Community Boards will hold elections.  

Martinborough Community Board have four nominations for four vacancies, so will not hold elections.

Final scrutiny is being undertaken in the coming days and a public notice formally announcing the candidates will be published in the coming weeks. Later in August, candidate profile statements and videos will be available to view on our website. 

Voting papers will be posted from 9 September with election day on 11 October 2025. You can find out more about enrolling and voting in the local elections on our website: swdc.govt.nz/elections

2025 confirmed candidates in alphabetical order

Mayoralty(1 Vacancy) 
Fran Wilde 
Leah Hawkins 

Greytown Ward (3 Vacancies) 
Collier Isaacs 
Martin Bosley 
Michelle Dawson 
Simone Baker

Featherston Ward (3 Vacancies) 
Colin Olds 
Karen Coltman
Martin Davis
Rachel Clarke 
Rupert Watson 

Martinborough Ward (3 Vacancies) 
Aidan Ellims 
Chris Archer 
Pip Maynard 
Storm Robertson 
Rob Taylor 

Te Karu o Te Ika a Māu Māori Ward (1 Vacancy) 
Andrea Rutene 
Whitu Karauna

Greytown Community Board (4 Vacancies) 
Hilary Beaton
Diane Mackenzie
Jolene Woodcock 
Louise Brown
Michelle Dawson 
Neil Morison 

Featherston Community Board (4 Vacancies) 
Anne Hynds 
Rupert Watson 
Tanja Schubert-McArthur 
Tui Rutherford 
Warren Maxwell 

Martinborough Community Board (4 Vacancies) 
James Brodie
Mel Maynard 
Nana Boyle
Ross Andrew

Greytown District Trust Lands Trust (3 Vacancies) 
Anna Cassie 
David Brosnan 
Paul Broughton
Phil Holden 

ENDS

Media contact

Email  media@swdc.govt.nz