Congratulations to all candidates standing for Te Whanga Māori wards in the 2025 Local Elections. Information and videos on candidates can be found below.
Whare Isaac-sharland
Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Manawa, Ngai Te Rangi.
Tena koutou katoa.
I live in Te Whanga Ward and am standing as a Maori Ward candidate for Napier City Council local elections, 2025. My decision to stand reflects a deep commitment to our people and confidence in Napier’s future. It would be a privilege to serve tangata whenua and the wider Napier–Ahuriri community. I am committed to inclusive leadership and a future-focused vision for our city. My priorities include championing equity and inclusion, strengthening community wellbeing, upgrading essential infrastructure, and ensuring local voices are heard in decision-making. I’m excited to connect with residents and share ideas for the term ahead.
Maori wards strengthen democracy through fairness, partnership, and better representation, supporting stronger relationships with whanau, hapu, iwi, and leading to more informed, inclusive decisions. Maori wards aren’t just good for Maori—they’re good for everyone, encouraging a more connected future for all.
Email: whare@taihukiconsult.co.nz
Phone: 021 515 029
Kirk Kia-Maia Leonard
Kia ora koutou katoa o Ahuriri. My name is Kirk Kia-Maia Leonard and have lived here in Napier for just over 50 years. We feel it’s time to go outside the comfort zone and have a go at running for a seat on the Napier City Council. The reason why we are running is because it’s time for mana whenua (first home people) to be included in the decision making and to work alongside our councillors to do what’s best for those that have voiced their issue or concerns from whoever that be whether they are indigenous to this land or not.
My thoughts are that even if one person here in Napier explains their concerns then we can write that concern down in my booklet and take that concern to the table. By not doing anything about that concern would mean I should not be on the table.
Email: leonardkirk411@gmail.com
Phone: 021 100 7166
Shyann Raihania
Your vote has mana. Your voice creates change.
This Māori Ward seat is more than representation, it’s a strategic tool to drive real, local solutions grounded in our values and lived realities.
Your voice, your experiences, your whakaaro, those are the solutions. I bring the skills and kaupapa to uplift them, to turn them into action, and to embed them where decisions are made.
We are a collective, and with that comes a shared responsibility to deliver better outcomes, not just for today, but for generations to come.
While councils must deliver core services and infrastructure, we must also be bold. There are untapped opportunities and partnerships, across iwi, hapū, community enterprise, and impact spaces, that can be activated to support those who need it most.
This is our chance to move from existing to exercising our rangatiratanga, with courage, clarity, and a focus on outcomes that uplift us all.
Email: shyraihania88@gmail.com
Phone: 0204 020 8905
Voting kicks off on September 9th, your voice has mana. Get out and vote whānau, mauri ora.
More information about Māori Wards in Ahuriri here.