Fight for peninsula beaches

While some Waikato mayors will waltz back into their jobs unopposed, Thames-Coromandel Mayor Phillipa Barriball faces a tough fight to keep hers.

The Thames-Coromandel mayoralty is one of the greater Waikato's most sought-after civic jobs.

While three mayors – Sue Morris (Ruapehu), John Tregidga (Hauraki) and Dale Williams (Otorohanga) effectively secured their jobs for another three years after being unopposed when local body nominations closed yesterday, the story was different in Thames-Coromandel, where incumbent Phillipa Barriball will face five challengers, three more than in 2007.

Those who want Ms Barriball's post are deputy mayor Adrian Catran, former National MP Murray McLean, Graham Taylor, former councillor Glenn Leach, and councillor Dal Minogue who was runner-up in 2007.

The scramble for the top job reflects passionate debate within the council over the past 12 months over mining issues, use of 1080, and a walkout over wastewater issues.

Councillor Strat Peters, Dirk Sieling, John Morrissey and Noel Hewlett are stepping down.

Matamata-Piako

Hugh Vercoe is facing two mystery challengers in campaigning for his fifth term as mayor of Matamata-Piako. Peter Davies and Ken Mahon are also standing, though the Times was unable to contact them.

"I have never heard of either of them," Mr Vercoe said. "My understanding is they do not live locally."

But Mr Vercoe welcomed the challenge.

"I hope that my terms as mayor will see my support continue, but this is the democratic process and it is alive and well in Matamata-Piako," he said. "In all areas other than the Morrinsville Community Board there will be an election."

Hauraki

Long-serving mayor John Tregidga will be back for another three years after going unopposed, while the district's four Plains ward councillors – Bruce Gordon, Don Challis, Gill Leonard and Greg Harris – will also return to the council table with no other candidates standing. Two current councillors Tom Meyer (Paeroa ward) and Mike Hayden (Waihi ward) will not seek re-election, opening the way for two new councillors for the district. The rest of the incumbent councillors are up for re-election. The Waihi ward features the candidacy of Distressed Residents Action Team spokeswoman Collette Spalding and Murray Craig, a current member of the Waihi Beach Community Board. Mr Craig is one of the most outspoken supporters of a proposal to merge Waihi Beach with the Hauraki District which would see it leave the Western Bay of Plenty District.

Waitomo

Brian Hanna, a two-term councillor and dry-stock farmer, is challenging incumbent mayor Mark Ammon in an all-or-nothing bid. He is not standing as a councillor.

Sitting councillors Peter Keeling and Pauline Ryan are stepping aside, while the death of councillor Doug Stone earlier this year provided another opening on council, though seven candidates will contest the three-seat Te Kuiti ward and four will seek the three rural ward vacancies.

Taupo

A keen battle is emerging in Taupo with colourful incumbent Rick Cooper facing four challengers.

Notable is former Taupo Labour MP Mark Burton, while Wayne Richmond, Edna Isaacs and Rex Mincher have also thrown their hats in the ring.

Some 16 candidates, including Keith Crate, organiser of the popular Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, are scrambling for the seven seats available in the Taupo-Kaingaroa ward. Current councillors Ailsa Gathergood and Bernhard Chrustowski are stepping down this election.

South Waikato

Neil Sinclair is being challenged for the mayoralty by long-serving health worker Sharon Clair and Cruise FM owner Johnny Dryden. Most serving councillors are standing again with only Shane McMahon and Eileen Barker not seeking re-election. The Tokoroa ward will be particularly hotly contested with 16 candidates vying for six positions.

Otorohanga

Mayor Dale Williams is heading for a sixth term as mayor after being unopposed, but long-standing councillors Hugh Earwaker and Lucien Gower are standing down. Incumbent councillor Sue Blackler will be representing the Wharepuhunga ward rather than the Waipa ward. Newcomers Roy Johnson (Waipa) and Ken Phillips (Kio Kio/Korakonui) are assured seats.

Ruapehu

Mayor Sue Morris is standing unopposed.

- © Fairfax NZ News