Horowhenua District Councillor Sam Jennings, the top-polling candidate in the Levin Ward in 2022, has announced he will contest the Waiopehu Ward at this year’s local government elections.

Jennings says the decision was made after careful reflection on where he can best serve the district—and to ensure Horowhenua’s leadership stays on the right track.

“I was humbled to be the top-polling candidate in Levin last election, but you can never take that for granted. Standing in Waiopehu is a risk, but I’m confident I can demonstrate to voters that I have a track record of getting results. I know how the system works and can have an immediate impact.” With neither incumbent re-standing in Waiopehu, Jennings says the ward deserves strong and experienced representation.

“I’ve lived in Manakau and I know many of the communities across the ward. I’ve been appalled by one of Waiopehu’s current councillor’s lack of integrity—serving remotely from Scotland—and I knew it was time to step up and serve. This is about bringing proven leadership to where it’s needed most.”

“The people of Levin have lost nothing by this move—I will continue to be a fierce advocate for Levin, because when Levin thrives, the whole district thrives. I love Levin and am loyal to its people— but Council is about district-wide results, not boundary lines on paper.”

Jennings also confirmed he will not stand for mayor in 2025.

“While I would love to be Mayor—and know I could do a great job—it’s crucial that Horowhenua doesn’t end up with leadership that takes us backwards. I decided not to run this time because I didn’t want to risk splitting the vote and seeing someone like Justin Tamihana take the top job. That would be disastrous. I’ve worked constructively with Mayor Bernie Wanden—while we haven’t always agreed on all issues, he’s open to different views and our visions for Horowhenua are broadly aligned. Stability matters, and I believe Bernie continuing as Mayor is the best option for Horowhenua right now.”

Jennings said strong candidates are standing in Levin, and he’s stepping aside in that ward to support them.

“There are some great people running in Levin, both experienced and fresh—former Deputy Mayor Jo Mason and Catriona McKay among them—who deserve support. By stepping aside in Levin and running in Waiopehu, I believe I’m doing what’s needed to ensure the district elects sensible and impactful people across the board. Call it strategy or call it sensible—we need people who bring skills, knowledge, experience, and shared values to get stuff done.”

Looking ahead, Jennings says:

“My move is about demonstrating district-wide leadership and showing how I can represent the whole district. I’ll be building toward a mayoral campaign in 2028, and this allows me to have directly represented over 23,000 people as a ward councillor—almost two-thirds of Horowhenua.”

Media Release Issued by Horowhenua District Councillor – Sam Jennings

“If successful, the people of Waiopehu can expect a strong advocate who will deliver the representation they deserve and need. Waiopehu needs some love and attention—and I’m ready to deliver it.”

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