Taupō Local Elections 2025

Voting in the upcoming Local Election is your chance to be heard, on what really matters to you in your local community. We need leaders who recognise the impacts that climate disruption will have on the local and global economy in coming decades, and who are prepared to stand up for future generations.

We are looking for candidates who accept the science around human-induced climate change, who show up in support of environmental initiatives in our community, and are willing to advocate for urgent, strategic action on climate change within our district.

We have decided to endorse candidates based on publicly available information, other information that has come to light though the campaign, and their existing track record. Some candidates have not expressly voiced their environmental policy, but have been selected as they understand the complexity of council, are willing to work collaboratively, and are a better choice than the alternative candidates.

We recommend the future-friendly candidates listed below – particularly those in bold type.

Taupō Mayor:	Kevin Taylor David Trewavas
Taupō Ward:	Kevin Taylor Steve Manunui Julie Yeoman Yvonne Westerman Rachel Shepherd Nicola De Latour Barry Owen Delany Belinda Walker Bill Clarke
Tūrangi-Tongariro Ward:	Sandra Greenslade
Mangakino/Pouākani Ward:	Marlene Johnson
Taupō East Rural Ward:	Kylie Leonard
Te Papamārearea Māori Ward:	Danny Loughlin Wahine Murch Ngāhuia Foreman
Waikato Regional Council:	Deb Mair Debbie Davies

We do not recommend voting for the following candidates, who have demonstrated some or all of the following traits:

• Not climate and environmentally literate or are climate deniers,

• Do not support community wellbeing,

• Have a tendency towards conspiracy, 

• Do not uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

John Funnell, Zane Cozens, Duncan Campbell, Christine Rankin, Ann Tweedie, Mark Wynyard, David Freeman, Rebecca Stafford, Hope Woodward, David Livingstone, Mich'eal Downard.

The Policy.nz tool has sent questionnaires to candidates, and more details about those candidates who have taken the time to fill this out can be found there.

Any candidate who feels we have misrepresented their position is welcome to contact us and explain their position on climate action. We will be happy to edit this page accordingly.