Three candidates enter the Bulls ring

Photo/File

Three candidates are lined up in the Bulls ward, vying for the two seats on the Rangitikei District Council.

Newcomer Rebecca McNeil said she believed she would bring fresh energy to council through communication and bringing people together.

The young mother has already been involved with several community projects and is a member of Rangitikei Creative Communities funding board and works part-time at the Bulls information centre.

Farmer Tim Harris has lived in Bulls for more than 50 years in lower Parewanui near Scotts Ferry and is making his bid in local body politics because his wife, former deputy mayor Sarah Harris, is standing down.

The couple have three children at Bulls School - Amanda, 11, and twins Eddie and Jono, 9.

Mr Harris, who runs a cropping and stock trading farm, said he was standing for council because he was passionate about the district.

"I believe we need some stability and strong governance from the Bulls ward - the ward must work together to encourage economic growth, avoid unnecessary rates rises, and encourage new business and families to our district."

Housing is affordable in Bulls, he said.

"Let's promote our town to new business and new families - the future for our children is in the action we take from today."

Third candidate Bret Coleman said he was approached by a number of ratepayers to represent Bulls because of his professional business acumen, his no-nonsense approach and his ability to communicate effectively with the community.

He has lived and been involved in the community for more than 25 years with his partner Judy and is employed by Treescape New Zealand as site traffic management supervisor for the Bulls branch.

He is also a past chairman of the Bulls School board of trustees, founding business owner of Rangitikei Game Birds, and board member of the New Zealand Poultry Industry Association.