Motueka Candidates On Rates, Resilience, And Māori Wards

Wednesday, 27 August 2025, 5:26 pm
Article: Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

The town of Motueka gets three representatives around the table at Tasman District Council, but four people are vying for a spot. 

On the ballot are two incumbent elected members, Brent Maru and Trindi Walker, and two challengers, Brooklyn School teacher Kerryn Ferneyhough and retired pharmacist Dave Ross, who was running under the ACT Party banner. 

Local Democracy Reporting asked the candidates about their priorities for Motueka, their views on this year’s average rates increase of 8.9%, and how they will vote in the referendum on Tasman's Māori Ward, as well as for an interesting piece of information about themselves. 

The candidates had strict word limits and deadlines, and were told their answers would be cut off if they exceeded the word limit and not published if they missed the deadline. 

Dave Ross did not answer the questions by the deadline. 

Question: What is your top priority for the ward in which you are standing for election? 

Kerryn Ferneyhough: We need future-proof infrastructure that supports our growth, protects our environment, and builds resilience. We need to build this in a way that supports the diverse needs of all residents, while managing rising costs. 

Brent Maru: It is clear through this year’s Resident Survey that the top priority must be to regain the trust and support of our ratepayers. There was a clear message that residents did not feel listened to.

Trindi Walker: Remediating damage from weather events, preparing infrastructure to mitigate damage for future events, have a Master Plan for Motueka, look for alternative means of increasing council’s revenue without overburdening ratepayers. 

Question: What is your opinion on this year’s average rates increase (8.9%)? Do you feel it’s justified and, if so, why? Or do you feel it’s too high and, if so, what specifically should the council reduce spending on? 

Kerryn Ferneyhough: Rising construction costs, extreme weather, and reduced Government support are making council finances tighter and rates higher. We need other sources of income such as investment income, subsidies and grants, and user fees and charges. 

Brent Maru: I supported the 8.9%. There were options to reduce this through reducing existing services, however feedback from submissions requested these changes be reinstated. We must continue to question costs and seek ratepayer direction. 

Trindi Walker: Voted against. Ratepayers are suffering from significant overburden of rates – reduce spending on nice to haves, review our budgetary position before any more expenditure. 

Question: Will you vote to retain or disestablish the district’s Māori ward in the referendum, and why?

Kerryn Ferneyhough: I’ll vote to keep the Māori ward to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti. Brent Maru: I will vote to retain the Māori Ward, no different from general election Māori seats. 

Trindi Walker: Disestablish Māori ward. Why does one ethnicity require separate representation around the table? We are (exceeded word limit) 

Question: What is something interesting about you that most people won’t be aware of? 

Kerryn Ferneyhough: I just started hobby beekeeping and I love it! 

Brent Maru: I love time in my shed trying to fix things, especially old electronic items. 

Trindi Walker: I enjoy the art of photography, especially in our beautiful environment. 

-Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ

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