ACT Local has announced Tom Spooner as its candidate for the South Ward of the Hurunui District Council in this year’s local body elections.

Born on the West Coast and raised in Kaikōura, Tom has spent his working life solving problems and building practical solutions. His career has taken him across New Zealand and overseas to Japan and the USA, giving him a broad perspective and hands‑on experience in hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, diagnostics, and management.

A qualified industrial mechanic with a Trade Certificate in Maintenance and Diagnostics, Tom runs Spooner Brothers Ltd, a hands‑on business that keeps things working and solves problems for people every day.

Tom is known as a fix‑it man – the guy you call when something’s broken and you need it sorted. He’s used to rolling up his sleeves, finding the fault, and getting it done properly. That’s exactly the attitude he wants to bring to council. Less talk, more action. Instead of endless meetings and red tape, Tom wants to see problems identified and fixed, money spent where it matters, and real results delivered for local people.

“Council needs to focus solely on the basics,” Tom says.

“We should deliver the essentials well, keep costs down, and respect the people who pay the rates.

"Every ratepayer is a customer, and council should be asking what it can do for you, not telling you what you can and can’t do on your own property.”

Tom says Hurunui’s growth needs practical leadership and decisions that make life better for families, farmers, and local businesses alike.

“We need to stay ahead of the issues, cut bureaucracy, save money, and focus on what really matters – safe roads, reliable services, and a council that actually listens to its community.” – Tom Spooner

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
• Stopping the war on cars

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

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