NZ Herald
  • Home
  • Latest news
  • Herald NOW
  • Video
  • New Zealand
  • Sport
  • World
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Viva
  • Weather

Subscriptions

  • Herald Premium
  • Viva Premium
  • The Listener
  • BusinessDesk

Sections

  • Latest news
  • New Zealand
    • All New Zealand
    • Crime
    • Politics
    • Education
    • Open Justice
    • Scam Update
  • Herald NOW
  • On The Up
  • World
    • All World
    • Australia
    • Asia
    • UK
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • Pacific
  • Business
    • All Business
    • MarketsSharesCurrencyCommoditiesStock TakesCrypto
    • Markets with Madison
    • Media Insider
    • Business analysis
    • Personal financeKiwiSaverInterest ratesTaxInvestment
    • EconomyInflationGDPOfficial cash rateEmployment
    • Small business
    • Business reportsMood of the BoardroomProject AucklandSustainable business and financeCapital markets reportAgribusiness reportInfrastructure reportDynamic business
    • Deloitte Top 200 Awards
    • CompaniesAged CareAgribusinessAirlinesBanking and financeConstructionEnergyFreight and logisticsHealthcareManufacturingMedia and MarketingRetailTelecommunicationsTourism
  • Opinion
    • All Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Editorials
    • Business analysis
    • Premium opinion
    • Letters to the editor
  • Politics
  • Sport
    • All Sport
    • OlympicsParalympics
    • RugbySuper RugbyNPCAll BlacksBlack FernsRugby sevensSchool rugby
    • CricketBlack CapsWhite Ferns
    • Racing
    • NetballSilver Ferns
    • LeagueWarriorsNRL
    • FootballWellington PhoenixAuckland FCAll WhitesFootball FernsEnglish Premier League
    • GolfNZ Open
    • MotorsportFormula 1
    • Boxing
    • UFC
    • BasketballNBABreakersTall BlacksTall Ferns
    • Tennis
    • Cycling
    • Athletics
    • SailingAmerica's CupSailGP
    • Rowing
  • Lifestyle
    • All Lifestyle
    • Viva - Food, fashion & beauty
    • Society Insider
    • Royals
    • Sex & relationships
    • Food & drinkRecipesRecipe collectionsRestaurant reviewsRestaurant bookings
    • Health & wellbeing
    • Fashion & beauty
    • Pets & animals
    • The Selection - Shop the trendsShop fashionShop beautyShop entertainmentShop giftsShop home & living
    • Milford's Investing Place
  • Entertainment
    • All Entertainment
    • TV
    • MoviesMovie reviews
    • MusicMusic reviews
    • BooksBook reviews
    • Culture
    • ReviewsBook reviewsMovie reviewsMusic reviewsRestaurant reviews
  • Travel
    • All Travel
    • News
    • New ZealandNorthlandAucklandWellingtonCanterburyOtago / QueenstownNelson-TasmanBest NZ beaches
    • International travelAustraliaPacific IslandsEuropeUKUSAAfricaAsia
    • Rail holidays
    • Cruise holidays
    • Ski holidays
    • Luxury travel
    • Adventure travel
  • Kāhu Māori news
  • Environment
    • All Environment
    • Our Green Future
  • Talanoa Pacific news
  • Property
    • All Property
    • Property Insider
    • Interest rates tracker
    • Residential property listings
    • Commercial property listings
  • Health
  • Technology
    • All Technology
    • AI
    • Social media
  • Rural
    • All Rural
    • Dairy farming
    • Sheep & beef farming
    • Horticulture
    • Animal health
    • Rural business
    • Rural life
    • Rural technology
    • Opinion
    • Audio & podcasts
  • Weather forecasts
    • All Weather forecasts
    • Kaitaia
    • Whangārei
    • Dargaville
    • Auckland
    • Thames
    • Tauranga
    • Hamilton
    • Whakatāne
    • Rotorua
    • Tokoroa
    • Te Kuiti
    • Taumaranui
    • Taupō
    • Gisborne
    • New Plymouth
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Dannevirke
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Levin
    • Paraparaumu
    • Masterton
    • Wellington
    • Motueka
    • Nelson
    • Blenheim
    • Westport
    • Reefton
    • Kaikōura
    • Greymouth
    • Hokitika
    • Christchurch
    • Ashburton
    • Timaru
    • Wānaka
    • Oamaru
    • Queenstown
    • Dunedin
    • Gore
    • Invercargill
  • Meet the journalists
  • Promotions & competitions
  • OneRoof property listings
  • Driven car news

Puzzles & Quizzes

  • Puzzles
    • All Puzzles
    • Sudoku
    • Code Cracker
    • Crosswords
    • Cryptic crossword
    • Wordsearch
  • Quizzes
    • All Quizzes
    • Morning quiz
    • Afternoon quiz
    • Sports quiz

Regions

  • Northland
    • All Northland
    • Far North
    • Kaitaia
    • Kerikeri
    • Kaikohe
    • Bay of Islands
    • Whangarei
    • Dargaville
    • Kaipara
    • Mangawhai
  • Auckland
  • Waikato
    • All Waikato
    • Hamilton
    • Coromandel & Hauraki
    • Matamata & Piako
    • Cambridge
    • Te Awamutu
    • Tokoroa & South Waikato
    • Taupō & Tūrangi
  • Bay of Plenty
    • All Bay of Plenty
    • Katikati
    • Tauranga
    • Mount Maunganui
    • Pāpāmoa
    • Te Puke
    • Whakatāne
  • Rotorua
  • Hawke's Bay
    • All Hawke's Bay
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Havelock North
    • Central Hawke's Bay
    • Wairoa
  • Taranaki
    • All Taranaki
    • Stratford
    • New Plymouth
    • Hāwera
  • Manawatū - Whanganui
    • All Manawatū - Whanganui
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Manawatū
    • Tararua
    • Horowhenua
  • Wellington
    • All Wellington
    • Kapiti
    • Wairarapa
    • Upper Hutt
    • Lower Hutt
  • Nelson & Tasman
    • All Nelson & Tasman
    • Motueka
    • Nelson
    • Tasman
  • Marlborough
  • West Coast
  • Canterbury
    • All Canterbury
    • Kaikōura
    • Christchurch
    • Ashburton
    • Timaru
  • Otago
    • All Otago
    • Oamaru
    • Dunedin
    • Balclutha
    • Alexandra
    • Queenstown
    • Wanaka
  • Southland
    • All Southland
    • Invercargill
    • Gore
    • Stewart Island
  • Gisborne

Media

  • Video
    • All Video
    • NZ news video
    • Herald NOW
    • Business news video
    • Politics news video
    • Sport video
    • World news video
    • Lifestyle video
    • Entertainment video
    • Travel video
    • Markets with Madison
    • Kea Kids news
  • Podcasts
    • All Podcasts
    • The Front Page
    • On the Tiles
    • Ask me Anything
    • The Little Things
  • Cartoons
  • Photo galleries
  • Today's Paper - E-editions
  • Photo sales
  • Classifieds

NZME Network

  • Advertise with NZME
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • BusinessDesk
  • Newstalk ZB
  • Sunlive
  • ZM
  • The Hits
  • Coast
  • Radio Hauraki
  • The Alternative Commentary Collective
  • Gold
  • Flava
  • iHeart Radio
  • Hokonui
  • Radio Wanaka
  • iHeartCountry New Zealand
  • Restaurant Hub
  • NZME Events

SubscribeSign In
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Home / Stratford Press

Stratford District Council candidate Q&A: Governance experience and qualities

Stratford Press
30 Sep, 2019 01:11 AM9 mins to read

Subscribe to listen

Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?  Sign in here

Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
‌
Save

    Share this article

    Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read.

Local Government Elections are underway, with voting papers to be delivered to voters between September 20 -25.

Local Government Elections are underway, with voting papers to be delivered to voters between September 20 -25.

Local elections 2019

The Stratford Press sent all the candidates for the Stratford District Council a set of questions in August.

We have been printing the questions we asked, with the answers received from the candidates, in the paper and online. Remember, voting closes at noon, October 12.

This week, candidates answer:

1. What governance experience do you have? What other boards and committees do you currently sit on?

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

2. What three qualities do you think you bring to the table?

Candidates answer (in reverse alphabetical order):

Gloria Webby is standing for re-election in the Urban ward.
Gloria Webby is standing for re-election in the Urban ward.

Gloria Webby:

1. I have served in a variety of governance roles over a number of years and am presently a trustee and vice-chairperson of the Percy Thomson Trust, chairperson of the Stratford Positive Ageing group, a member of the Stratford District Council Audit and Risk committee, the Stratford District Creative Community Scheme and the Stratfords of the World Reunion Committee.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

2. Finely-honed communication skills, especially listening; an absolutely positive attitude; integrity.

Mathew Watt is standing for a seat in the Urban ward.
Mathew Watt is standing for a seat in the Urban ward.

Mathew Watt:

1. I have yet to be part of any boards/committees, although I think what is often more important than experience is common sense and the ability to make logical decisions in the best interest of the community.

2. The three best qualities of many that I would bring to the table are; logical decision making and common sense with no willingness to cave to ill-thought-out irrational ideas. Fiscal responsibility and strategic spending (studying to become a financial adviser and having just built my second house I think I have proven to manage finances well).
Lastly, I bring a youthful mind to the table which will not only benefit us in diversity of thought and greater representation of the community but information processing speeds and cognitive ability peak in your early 20s.

Ivan Toopi is standing for a seat in the Urban ward.
Ivan Toopi is standing for a seat in the Urban ward.

Ivan Toopi:
1. I have six to seven years governance experience, and currently chair three boards.

2. Diversity, Pragmatism, Common Sense.

John Sandford is standing for re-election in the Urban ward.
John Sandford is standing for re-election in the Urban ward.

John Sandford:

1. I have served for 24 years on council. I am currently the chairperson of the Sport New Zealand Rural Travel Fund. I am on the Taranaki Synthetic Turf Trust and a member of the Council's Executive Committee.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

2. I am bringing 24 years of continuous experience and common sense. I attend all the workshops to ensure that I am well informed on all council matters before making any decisions.

Tony Milham is standing for a seat in the Urban Ward.
Tony Milham is standing for a seat in the Urban Ward.

Tony Milham:

1. I have in the past sat on school board trusts and have had roles with in sporting clubs and community groups, although I have had no council experience, I see this as a more positive than negative as I go in with eyes wide open and no perceived [sic]

2. The best three key qualities I bring are, approachability, marketing management, and business management having a sound background in setting up and managing local Taranaki business.

Min McKay is seeking a seat in the Urban Ward.
Min McKay is seeking a seat in the Urban Ward.

Min McKay:

1. I have very little governance experience. This year I became a Trustee for Tutaki Youth Inc. I am keen to become more involved with the community going forward.

2. Positivity, strong emotional intelligence, open mind.

Nicole McDonald is running for a seat in the Rural Ward.
Nicole McDonald is running for a seat in the Rural Ward.

Nicole McDonald:

1. I have sat on numerous sporting committees and am actively running a business in Stratford.

2. I like to think I will be bring to the table some new energy as I'm easy to talk to and having being born and bred and lived in Stratford most of my life want to see Stratford continue to grow. I have also travelled and have a good insight how other areas have made great progress to transform their town and districts.

Rural councillor Graham Kelly is running for the top job this year, as well as a seat in the rural ward.
Rural councillor Graham Kelly is running for the top job this year, as well as a seat in the rural ward.

Graham Kelly:

1. 18 years as both a rural and urban councillor,and as a an executive member.

2. Empathy with the ratepayers, open and honest, commitment.

Vaughan Jones is standing for a seat in the Rural Ward.
Vaughan Jones is standing for a seat in the Rural Ward.

Vaughan Jones:

1. Served on the Toko School BOT and Fundraising Committee for 10 years. Secretary/Treasurer of Toko Rugby Club for 8 years. Current Secretary/Treasurer of the Stratford Golf Club.

2. Common Sense and Practicality, Sound Financial Understanding, Approachable to the public.

Alan Jamieson is seeking re-election in the Urban Ward.
Alan Jamieson is seeking re-election in the Urban Ward.

Alan Jamieson:

1. I am a past Chair of Ngaere school (10 years). I am a current councillor with three terms of experience ( two as Deputy Mayor).

I am a trustee of the Central Taranaki Safe Community trust, I am on the Executive committee, Audit and Risk committee, I chair the Policy and Services committee at council.

I am deputy chair of the Waste minimisation committee that I am representing council on.
I am the Council representative on the Central Landfill Committee.

I am also chairman of the Taranaki Electricity Trust.

2. Experience, common sense approach to issues with solutions and time to dedicate to our town.

Christopher James is running for a seat in the Urban Ward.
Christopher James is running for a seat in the Urban Ward.

Christopher James:

1. At the age of 16, I started to get involved in community groups and since then have served as trustee for a number of local groups including our Kings Theatre and Tutaki. Now at the age of 22 I don't currently sit on any boards and don't plan to in the future.

My focus will be on serving on the council if I'm fortunate enough and starting my bachelors degree in communications.

My understanding of governance, financial literacy etc is all sound, again quality over quantity.

2. Stubbornness, Patience and Energy.

In Stratford it takes time and effort to get anything done. It's not good enough to have good ideas.

As councillors we have to be prepared to put the work in to see it through and not give up after a single attempt.

I don't want to keep a seat warm for three years, I want to get stuff done.

I have been behind the curtain, seen how local government operates - I know what it takes to make progress.

Rawinia Henderson is running for the mayoralty and a seat in the Urban Ward.
Rawinia Henderson is running for the mayoralty and a seat in the Urban Ward.

Rawinia Henderson:

1. Previous governance experience includes:
Midhirst School Board of Trustees – Six Years
Victim Support Advisory Group for victims of crime through Homicide – Seven Years (Current)
Pioneer Village Board – One Year
Taranaki Suicide Prevention Trust – One Year
TET Kings Theatre Trust – Two Years
Whakaahurangi Marae Board of Trustee – First term (Current)
Te Ope Whakaora Committee – Three Years
Central Cougars Rugby League Committee – Two Years
Midhirst School Parent Teacher Association – Six Years

2. An open mind and unique ability to represent many demographics. I have common sense. I care.

Amanda Harris is standing in the Rural ward.
Amanda Harris is standing in the Rural ward.

Amanda Harris:

1. Currently I am the Secretary/Treasurer Whangamomona Domain Board Inc, The Republic of Whangamomona Inc committee member, Huiakama Fundraising Committee member.

I have recently retired from my Secretary/Treasurer positions with the Whangamomona Netball Club and Whangamomona Pig Hunting Club, where I was also involved in coordinating and event management.

Most importantly, I am a self-employed sheep and beef farmer and a mother.

2. Experienced, Level-headed, Community-minded.

John Gray is standing for a seat in the Urban Ward.
John Gray is standing for a seat in the Urban Ward.

John Gray:

1. Stratford Racing Club President four years, on committee over 10 years.

2. Listening, Thinking Ahead and an ability to connect with people.

Laurie Gooch is standing for a seat in the Urban Ward.
Laurie Gooch is standing for a seat in the Urban Ward.

Laurie Gooch:

1. On the support committee for the Air Training Corps 48 Sqn Cadet Unit of Stratford for many years.

2. A common sense approach to expenditure on proposed and current projects.

My wide range of engineering skills and knowledge gained from my 55 years in the trade up to an engineering manager.

Waste not, want not is my philosophy and also if you want something that looks pretty but serves no practical purpose then you don't need it – waste of funds.

Jono Erwood is standing for re-election in the Urban ward.
Jono Erwood is standing for re-election in the Urban ward.

Jono Erwood:

1. Currently I am on the Council's Executive Committee and Audit & Risk Committee, along with being the Council's representative at Sport Taranaki.

I am involved in a plethora of organisations within the community; I am a Trustee on the Central Taranaki Safe Community Trust, Mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, committee member of Stratford Golf Club and Team Hope Charitable Trust (past Chairman), and Assistant Coach of a school rugby team.

As a Police Constable, I am involved in teaching in primary and secondary schools as well as overseeing Stratford Neighbourhood Support Groups and Community Patrol.

2. I will advocate for the urban rate payer to ensure our rates are sustainable for all ratepayers.

Having completed two terms as an elected member for the Stratford District Council urban ward, I know how to stand my ground during a discussion and get my point across to other Councillors.

Through advocating and tact, I am able to get Councillors with opposing opinions to see my point of view and at times vote with me.

Stephen Dravitzki is standing for a seat in the Rural Ward.
Stephen Dravitzki is standing for a seat in the Rural Ward.

Stephen Dravitzki:

1. None, in respect to the question.

But I have been exposed to governance through my 16 years In the Royal New Zealand Navy, and my 12 years involvement as a Professional Sports Administrator.

2. A fair, firm, friendly approach. I am an analytical thinker. I am solutions orientated.

Peter Dalziel is standing for re-election in the Urban ward.
Peter Dalziel is standing for re-election in the Urban ward.

Peter Dalziel:

1. Councillor Stratford District Council three years.
Trustee - TSB Community Trust two years.
Director TSB Bank Ltd - one year.
Past Chair Stratford business Association (SBA) four years - Current Deputy Chair SBA one year.
Trustee - Tutaki Youth Trust five years.

2. A long career in the Financial services industry and have worked in a number of towns and cities in New Zealand and overseas. This has given me a strong background in management, understanding finances, engagement with internal and external stakeholders, working within defined processes and procedures and working as part of a team - all essential attributes required of Councillors.

Currently along with my wife, a small farmer with both a retail business and an accommodation business located near town - provides good experience and the opportunity to connect closely with a broad range of residents from the district and tourists from NZ and overseas.

Further my involvement on the boards of TSB Community Trust and TSB Bank have given me high quality governance experience.

A safe pair of hands - dependable, reliable and the ability to think through the consequences and risks of proposals and have served my 'apprenticeship' on the Council.

Rick Coplestone is seeking re-election in the Rural Ward.
Rick Coplestone is seeking re-election in the Rural Ward.

Rick Coplestone:

1. I've been on Council for three years. I am currently a trustee on the TET and on the Age Care Central Board.

2. First and foremost is the rural representation. Making sure that Council's assets are returning maximum rewards to rate payers. Acting on concerns of the rural roading systems.

Grant Boyde is seeking re-election in the Rural Ward.
Grant Boyde is seeking re-election in the Rural Ward.

Grant Boyde:

1. Institute of Director courses, Fonterra Shareholders council, 17 years director of Taranaki Veterinary Centre, multiple governance courses.

I am also a Taranaki Synthetic Turf Trust Trustee, Taranaki Umpires committee member, and sit on the Taranaki Regional Council Policy and Planning – Representing Stratford District Council.

2. Governance experience and leadership, Common sense and a Friendly approachable manner.

Save

    Share this article

    Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read.

Latest from Stratford Press

Stratford Press

A stroll through the history of the Stratford Press

16 Dec 06:13 AM
Stratford Press

Opinion: A year of change and challenges for our community

16 Dec 02:11 AM
Opinion

Carl Bates: Christmas under the mountain - a year on

16 Dec 02:03 AM

From early mornings to easy living

sponsored
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Latest from Stratford Press

A stroll through the history of the Stratford Press

A stroll through the history of the Stratford Press

16 Dec 06:13 AM

Stratford Press prints last issue as NZME closes 14 community papers nationwide.

Opinion: A year of change and challenges for our community

Opinion: A year of change and challenges for our community

16 Dec 02:11 AM
Carl Bates: Christmas under the mountain - a year on

Carl Bates: Christmas under the mountain - a year on

16 Dec 02:03 AM
Stratford council to oppose Treaty bill, citing lack of consultation

Stratford council to oppose Treaty bill, citing lack of consultation

16 Dec 12:07 AM
Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky
sponsored

Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky

NZ Herald
  • About NZ Herald
  • Meet the journalists
  • Newsletters
  • Classifieds
  • Help & support
  • Contact us
  • House rules
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Competition terms & conditions
  • Our use of AI
Subscriber Services
  • Stratford Press e-edition
  • Manage your digital subscription
  • Subscribe to Herald Premium
  • Gift a subscription
  • Subscriber FAQs
  • Subscription terms & conditions
  • Promotions and subscriber benefits
NZME Network
  • The New Zealand Herald
  • The Northland Age
  • The Northern Advocate
  • Waikato Herald
  • Bay of Plenty Times
  • Rotorua Daily Post
  • Hawke's Bay Today
  • Whanganui Chronicle
  • Viva
  • NZ Listener
  • Newstalk ZB
  • BusinessDesk
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • iHeart Radio
  • Restaurant Hub
NZME
  • About NZME
  • NZME careers
  • Advertise with NZME
  • Digital self-service advertising
  • Photo sales
  • NZME Events
  • © Copyright 2025 NZME Publishing Limited
TOP