Latest news with #ACTLocal
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
ACT Announces Dr Nima Maleiki As ACT Local Candidate For Kaipara
ACT Local has selected — a long-time Mangawhai resident, GP specialist, and community leader — as its candidate for the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward of the Kaipara District Council in this year's local election. Dr. Maleiki, 58, was recruited from Norway in 2016 to serve as a rural GP and now lives in Mangawhai with his wife and three young boys. A proud Persian Kiwi who speaks four languages and enjoys sharing Persian cuisine, he brings a wealth of global experience and a deep commitment to local solutions. He has led grassroots efforts to improve Kaipara's neglected infrastructure, including a 2022 petition with 702 signatures calling for better planning and investment in the region's 1,140 km of unsealed roads — a long-standing safety, health, and productivity issue. 'After 10 years here, I've seen our community grow while council services stand still. I'm running to fix our broken roads, stop wasteful spending, and deliver the infrastructure our families, farmers, and businesses need. As a GP and founder of several medical clinics, I bring real-world problem-solving to council. ACT's vision of freedom and responsibility inspires me to champion health, infrastructure, and economic growth — while keeping rates low and consents simple. Together, we'll build a thriving ward for the next generation.' – Dr. Nima Maleiki Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture."
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
ACT Announces Roger Billington As ACT Local Candidate For Kaipara
ACT Local has selected — an international design consultant and academic with a background in architecture and sustainable development — as its candidate for the Otamatea Ward of the Kaipara District Council in this year's local election. Billington has led architectural and design projects around the world and developed university-level academic programmes in New Zealand, Australia, and China. He's passionate about making buildings more sustainable, reusing old spaces in smart ways, and creating jobs through good development. With years of experience in planning, managing budgets, and putting communities first, Roger offers the kind of practical know-how that councils badly need—but often don't have. He's standing to bring fresh thinking and future-focused leadership to local government. 'Kaipara has great potential, but it needs a council with a plan. We've got to back local businesses, bring in visitors, support young people, and fix the basics like roads and services. My background in architecture has taught me how to turn good ideas into real results. That's what I'll bring to the council table with ACT: clear priorities, practical thinking, and a focus on getting things done." – Roger Billington Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Lower Rates Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Local Business Owner & Former Royal New Zealand Navy Serviceman, Anthony Kenny, Selected As ACT Local Candidate For DCC
ACT Local has selected Anthony Kenny — a former Royal New Zealand Navy serviceman with 22 years of active military experience and a local business leader, as its candidate for the Dunedin City Council in this year's local election. After two decades in the Navy, Anthony joined a communications technology company, working his way up from salesman to joint owner. His business helps local companies and utilities stay connected with two-way radio and GPS solutions. Married with two adult children, he brings discipline, leadership, and real-world experience to the table. He's standing to bring accountability, efficiency, and practical thinking back to Dunedin's local government 'I'm standing for local government with ACT to bring accountability, efficiency, and common sense back to council. Rates must deliver real value, and core services should come first. I want safer streets, better infrastructure, and transparent leadership that truly represents ratepayers, not political agendas. I'll be a strong, practical voice for change.' – Anthony Kenny Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
ACT Announces Davina Smolders As ACT Local Candidate For Far North
has been named ACT Local's candidate for the Bay of Islands–Whangaroa Ward for the Far North District Council in this year's local election. With a deep connection to the Far North and a strong belief in community-led decision-making, Davina Smolders is stepping forward to represent locals who feel ignored by their council. She brings a no-nonsense approach, grounded in real-world experience and a clear focus on delivering for ratepayers. A former CEO of a social service agency, Davina has spent over 20 years in leadership roles spanning governance, procurement, and senior management. She's also worked as a business consultant and now runs her own company while managing local property. She knows how to get things moving, and that's exactly what she wants to achieve in the public service. Practical, centre-right, and focused on results, Davina is standing with ACT Local to bring fiscal discipline, accountability, and a fresh voice to the Far North. "I'm standing to bring steadfast leadership and a back-to-basics focus on roads, water, rubbish, and community safety. Council has drifted into wasteful spending and lost sight of its core job. I'm committed to restoring focus on what really matters to everyday ratepayers. It's time for clear priorities and real accountability." – Davina Smolders Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture."
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
ACT Announces Matthew Yovich As ACT Local Candidate For Whangarei
ACT Local has selected — a qualified fitter-turner, youth coach, and community advocate — as its candidate for the Bream Bay Ward of the Whangārei District Council in this year's local election. Born and raised in Ruakākā, Yovich is a skilled tradesman and devoted father who spends his time balancing work, family life, and community service. He volunteers as a youth coach in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has a strong interest in local politics, driven by a desire to ensure the next generation inherits a region that works for everyone. Matthew brings real-world experience, practical thinking, and a deep understanding of the pressures faced by working families in Northland. 'I'm standing to bring practical, community-focused leadership to our district. As a working parent and volunteer, I see the real impact of rising rates and poor infrastructure. I want better value from council spending, better services, and decisions that reflect the priorities of local families — not bureaucrats.' – Matthew Yovich Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Lower Rates Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton
