The Kaikōura Candidates Seeking A Seat At The Council Table

Thursday, 4 September 2025, 2:46 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Sixteen candidates are vying for just seven councillor seats at the Kaikōura District Council table. 

There will be at least three new faces, with Deputy Mayor Julie Howden and councillors Lisa Bond and Robby Roche standing down. 

Sitting councillors Tony Blunt, John Diver, Vicki Gulleford and Kevin Heays are seeking re-election. 

Mr Blunt has served four terms on the council and is a sheep and beef farmer on the Inland Road. 

Ms Gulleford was first elected in 2019 and works with Kaikōura’s youth as operation lead at Te Hā o Mātauranga (Learning in Kaikōura). 

Former mayor Mr Heays was re-elected to the council in 2022, while long-serving councillor Mr Diver is also running for mayor. 

They are being challenged by Corrina Allen Smith, Dave Anderson, Te Awhina Rangimarie Arahanga, Barry Aylward, John Booker, Melanie Campbell, Rosie Clemett, Ted Howard, Joshua McInnes, Mark Redwood, Kd Scattergood and Rex Stentiford. 

Corrina Allen Smith is an experienced business owner and wants to boost the hospitality sector. 

Taxi driver Dave Anderson stood unsuccessfully for the council in 2022 and is also running for mayor.

Te Awhina Rangimarie Arahanga has whakapapa to the land and is Kaikōura Museum's curator. 

Barry Aylward recently moved to Kaikōura after buying the old Gill Construction building. John Booker, who stood unsuccessfully for council three years ago, is a farmer at Kaikōura flat. 

Real estate agent Melanie Campbell plans ‘‘to support smart, sustainable development and cut unnecessary red tape’’. 

Rosie Clemett is a social worker who wants to create opportunities for local youth. 

Former councillor Ted Howard was a long-serving chairperson of the Kaikōura Zone Committee, which was disbanded earlier this year, and advocates for local wildlife including Hutton’s shearwaters / tītī and banded dotterel / pōhowhera. 

Joshua McInnes describes himself as a four-generation local who has returned home to raise a family. 

Mark Redwood is raising a family in the Clarence Valley, where he farms cattle. 

With 16 years experience in planning and emergency management at the Kaikōura District Council, Kd Scattergood said he is keen to experience council from the other side. 

After moving to Kaikōura three years ago, Rex Stentiford was in a serious accident, but said he was struck by the kindness and support shown by the local community. 

‘‘Nothing says hello to a new town like meeting half the population via a roadside rescue.’’ 

A meet the candidates meeting is being planned at The Upper Room, 98 West End, from 6.45pm on Tuesday, October 7. 

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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