Waikato Regional CouncilWaipā-King Country General Constituency
Electing 2 Regional Councillors

Clyde GRAF
Rates Control Team

My principal place of residence is not in the Waipā-King Country General Constituency area.
Over the last seven years Waikato Regional Council has increased its number of staff by over 100. Rates continue to skyrocket, and yet it seems harder to get things done.
Regional councils are complicating the delivery of essential services, and enabling divisive co-governance legislation. They are top-heavy bureaucracies that are past their use-by-date.
During this last term I voted against the endless rates increases we’ve all endured. Other councillors share this concern too, and so we’ve formed the Rates Control Team, a group of candidates dedicated to keeping your rates below the CPI.
We’re also concerned about the ever-increasing creep of co-governance in freshwater legislation. I stand for one governance for all, not a divisive, apartheid regime.
A vote for me is a vote for an inclusive Waikato, a vote to support primary producers, to oppose co-governance, and to get your rates down.
www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz

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Waikato Regional CouncilNgā Tai ki Uta Māori Constituency
Electing 1 Regional Councillor

Kataraina HODGE
Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Ngā Tai ki Uta Māori Constituency area.
E mihi kau ana ahau kia koutou ngā hapū, iwi me ngā tāngata hoki ki roto ki te Kaunihere ā rohe o Waikato (Waikato Regional Council) te rohe o Ngā Tai ki Uta.
I’ve had the privilege of serving Ngā Tai ki Uta Constituency with a deep commitment to Māori representation in decision making and will be standing for re-election in this triennium elections of 2025 to 2027
My mahi is anchored in whanaungatanga and kotahitanga, fostering unity and shared purpose with whānau, hapū, and iwi. I’ve worked to embed our voices within council processes,
believing Māori must be present at every table where our futures are shaped.
Guided by manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, I’ve championed policies that uplift people and protect our environment.
Progress comes from collaboration, respect, and shared vision. I am honoured by your trust and inspired by the legacy we build—he taonga mō ngā mokopuna

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Waikato Regional CouncilWaipā-King Country General Constituency
Electing 2 Regional Councillors

Stu KNEEBONE
Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Waipā-King Country General Constituency area.
A 4th generation Waikato farmer and experienced Councillor, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the diverse roles and responsibilities of the Regional Council. I offer a strategic and considered approach to the challenges faced by our region, ensuring we are well placed to maximise opportunities, whilst ensuring our natural resources are managed in a way that ensures future generations can enjoy freshwater, a healthy environment and economic prosperity.
The proposed legislative reforms will only deliver results if local knowledge is factored into decision making. I bring an experienced voice to the table to ensure future reform best serves the Waikato.
Council policies must be fit for purpose and add value. Our responses to challenging issues such climate change, natural resource allocation and public transport require a well informed and practical approach that is focused on sustainable outcomes. Serving the Waipa-King country is a privilege. I respectfully seek your continued support.

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Waikato Regional CouncilWaipā-King Country General Constituency
Electing 2 Regional Councillors

Garry REYMER
Rates Control Team

My principal place of residence is in the Waipā-King Country General Constituency area.
I am standing for the Waikato Regional Council because I am committed to enhancing council efficiency and ensuring a focus on core responsibilities.
It is essential that we prioritise cost-effective flood protection, drainage, environmental management, and improvements to public transport services. Currently, for every $1 the council spends on services, the bureaucracy adds more dollars in cost—at unsustainable ratios.
As a businessman and farmer with strong roots in the community, I am passionate about the wellbeing and prosperity of the wonderful Waipa.
That’s why I’m concerned about the continuing growth of bureaucracy. The council’s steady increase in staff numbers, which rose by 5% last year and 30% since 2015, along with consultant expenditures reaching $16.9 million, cannot continue unchecked.
As a member of the Rates Control Team, I will work to ensure that the Waikato Regional Council remains effective, affordable, efficient, and consistently delivers value for money to ratepayers.

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Waikato Regional CouncilWaipā-King Country General Constituency
Electing 2 Regional Councillors

Liz STOLWYK

My principal place of residence is in the Waipā-King Country General Constituency area.
Vote for bold leadership, smart investment and commitment to serving you. I have spent a decade representing Waipa and served as Waipa Deputy Mayor for six years. If elected, I have several key priorities: addressing the overlap between district and regional councils, improving public transport in our towns, advocating strongly for farmers regarding PC1 and keeping rate increases under control.
Andrew and I are proud Ohaupo dairy farmers, manage Lake Karāpiro Domain and are deeply connected to multiple community groups. 100% commitment – I always go above and beyond with integrity, experience and the ability to connect strongly with people. I will be visible and approachable right across Waipa/King Country.
Let’s get better at working across boundaries, enhance and protect local lakes, while always supporting rural and urban communities.
With 30+ years of business experience, I aim to keep Waikato on track as the economic powerhouse of NZ.