ACT Local has selected Andrew Pickford, a former international airline captain who now runs a family farm and local businesses, as its candidate for the Plains Ward of the Hauraki District Council in this year’s local election.

After more than 25 years flying for major airlines, Andrew swapped the skies for the paddocks. These days, he co-manages a sheep and beef farm and helps run two local franchise stores. He’s also worked in project development, bringing practical experience in planning, logistics, and getting things done. He knows what it’s like to juggle work, business, and family – and he’s standing to bring that real-world perspective into council.

The HDC needs someone like Andrew. Someone who will scrutinise spending and push for better value.

Council forecast a $500,000 surplus for 2024 and instead delivered a $17 million deficit. Now rates are set to rise by 10.6%, with no real improvements in core services. Last year alone, the council’s power bill increased by $650,000, a massive cost blowout that ratepayers are left to cover, with nothing to show for it.

It’s a clear sign the council has lost control of its finances. Ratepayers deserve better. As an ACT Local candidate, Andrew brings real-world experience from the private sector – where budgets are respected, every dollar is tracked, and waste isn’t tolerated.

"Flying taught me how to plan ahead, stay calm under pressure, and take responsibility. Farming has shown me the daily challenges families face. Running a business reminds me every day how important it is to spend wisely and stay focused on the essentials.

"I want to bring all that experience and knowledge to council, which is why I’m standing with ACT — to bring common sense and accountability back to local government, so ratepayers get real value, not more waste.” – Andrew Pickford

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
• Lower Rates
• Stopping race-based politics
• Restoring accountability
• Ending 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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