In response to growing calls from candidates proposing exorbitant cuts to council spending, EJ Barrett has announced their campaign for the Kaitake–Ngāmotu Ward in the 2025 New Plymouth District Council election, with a clear message: "We can’t afford the cost of neglect."

EJ brings professional experience in budgeting and finance, dispute resolution, facilitation of learning across all ages, communications, the arts, and a strong track record of working alongside young people, disabled communities, and families doing it tough.

“I’m running because our libraries, our housing, and our community spaces are on the line,” says EJ. “There are people running on platforms to cut costs with no real plan or policies. But slashing support doesn’t save money, it shifts the burden to families, social services, and future ratepayers. The cost of neglect is paid by everyone.”

"As someone who survived a lack of access to care, I can tell you for certain, the cost of care now is cheaper than the cost of crisis later."

As part of their campaign, EJ Barrett is calling for:

Save Our Libraries:

-Protection of public libraries, as safe, accessible resource hubs for all ages.

House The People:

-Affordable housing solutions, through lower barriers for community housing providers and urban subdivisions.

-Build where the infrastructure already exists to reduce pressure on rates.

Connected Communities:

-Investment in accessible urbanisation to avoid long-term costs caused by underfunding social infrastructure

EJ supports the retention of Māori wards, to ensure our democracy stays fair and representative.

“Our democracy is strongest when everyone has a seat at the table, not just the loudest or wealthiest voices,” says EJ. “What’s at stake isn’t just funding. It’s the future of a fair, livable, and connected district.”

With a campaign slogan of “Libraries. Homes. Communities.”, EJ Barrett is inviting voters to stand up for the things that make Ngāmotu a great place to live, before we lose them to short-term thinking and political point-scoring.

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