Hurunui Election: Who Is Vying For A Seat In The South Ward

Tuesday, 9 September 2025, 4:20 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

There is plenty of interest in Hurunui’s south ward, with a large pool of candidates standing for election on October 11. 

Nine candidates are contesting four seats around the Hurunui District Council table in the south ward, which includes Amberley, while seven candidates are standing for the newly formed South Ward Community Board. 

Just two councillors are seeking re-election in the south ward, Robbie Bruerton and Pauline White.

They are being challenged by Dave Carr, Michael Ennis, Steve Hutt, Brett Jones, Barrie Nunn, Tom Spooner and Lulu Webb Councillor Garry Jackson resigned in April, while Vanessa McPherson has not sought re-election. 

Five meet the candidate meetings have been organised across the ward over the next few weeks to give locals a chance to get to know their candidates.

Mr Bruerton is a local business owner, while Mrs White is a local business owner and a school teacher.

Both are experienced councillors. Mr Carr has lived in Hurunui for 60 years and said he wants to see the district continue to grow, while Mr Ennis said he is standing for the council to ensure it is ‘‘fiscally responsible’’ and focuses on core services. 

Mr Hutt has served in the armed forces, worked in government service and has been a local business owner, while Mr Jones is an Amberley business owner. 

Mr Nunn is involved in a local vineyard, olive horticulture and local theatre, while local business owner Mr Spooner is an Act Local candidate. 

After relocating to Hurunui three years ago, Ms Webb has built connections in the olive industry and in the local community. 

The South Ward Community Board was formed following a representation review after the last election and it will replace the south ward committee. 

Seven candidates are standing in the first community board election, with five positions available. 

They include former Hurunui councillor Geoff Shier, Anneka Cumming, James Hyde, Brett Jones, Kevin Roche, Hamish Trolove and John Weyers.

 Several meet the candidate meetings are being held in the south ward, with the first one held on Tuesday, September 2. 

Other meetings include: South Ward Community Board candidates, Leithfield Village Hall, Brighton Street, from 7pm on Tuesday, September 9. 

South ward candidates, Balcairn Public Hall, from 7pm on Monday, September 15. South ward councillor and Environment Canterbury candidates, the Tin Shed, Amberley Domain, from 7pm on Tuesday, September 23. 

South Ward Community Board candidates, the Tin Shed, Amberley Domain, from 7pm on Sunday, September 28. 

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

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