Tawa Community Board candidates

Carla Bates

Standing for:
Tawa Community Board

Affiliation:
–

Principal place of residence:
In the Tawa Community Board area

Candidate statement

Why I'm standing:

I love living in Tawa, feel a deep sense of connection to the community and want to use my knowledge and skills to ensure it continues to thrive. I want to make sure that our community is represented in decisions across the city.

I have lived in Tawa for 12 years and am raising my young family here, after choosing to emigrate from the UK. I have a professional background in environmental management/sustainability in infrastructure, climate adaptation and governance roles. I can see our community is a powerhouse of skills, voices and action. I want to support our community to see their expectations and ideas keep building our backyard as a great place to live. This includes ensuring that we are all involved in decision making around land use, infrastructure, facilities, green spaces and emergency preparedness so we can be strong and flourish together.

Tim Davin

Standing for:
Tawa Community Board

Affiliation:
–

Principal place of residence:
In the Tawa Community Board area

Candidate statement

I have lived in Tawa with for 38 years and my four children attended local schools. I am a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, and the Tawa branches of U3A, Rotary, RSA, and Probus. I am currently a member of the Community Board.

I have qualifications in civil engineering and public policy. I have worked for the Wellington City Council and have been in senior management roles at Porirua City Council, and Local Government NZ. I have expertise in transport, three waters, waste management, and the environment.

The key community issues I will advocate for are no parking meters in Tawa, increased frequency of the Hail and Ride bus service, improved traffic management in the Linden shopping centre, upgrading of community facilities in the town centre (the Anchor Project), and limitations on multi-unit developments.

Jill Day

Standing for:
Tawa Community Board

Affiliation:
–

Principal place of residence:
In the Tawa Community Board area

Candidate statement

Tawa is a vibrant, connected community and I’m standing again to help make it even better. I’ve lived here for over 20 years, raised my family and been actively involved as a teacher, volunteer, Tawa Community Board chair, local Councillor and Deputy Mayor. I bring a strong understanding of Council processes and know how to advocate effectively to get good outcomes for Tawa.

I’m committed to ensuring our community is safe, inclusive and has good community facilities. I’ll continue to support local businesses and work alongside community groups to help them access the support they need. I’ll advocate for investment in playgrounds, parks, community spaces and healthy waterways so everyone in Tawa can enjoy a high quality of life and stay active and connected.

I bring extensive governance experience, local knowledge and a deep care for Tawa’s people. I will listen, represent your voice and work hard for our community.

Georgia Freeman

Standing for:
Tawa Community Board

Affiliation:
Independent

Principal place of residence:
In the Tawa Community Board area

Candidate statement

I'm a wife, mum to twin toddlers, homeowner, church member, and pet owner in Tawa. For the past two years, I’ve served as Vice President of the Glenside Progressive Association, working alongside others to improve our community. I hold a diploma in business and management and have worked in aged care services. I’m currently involved in enhancing infrastructure around the Porirua Stream and connected waterways — that is important to our community wellbeing. As a young family, we use and value local facilities like the pool, library, and parks. I understand the practical and financial pressures many families face today, and I want to help build a more connected, supportive, and family-friendly Tawa. I bring strong relationship-building skills and a thoughtful, community-led approach. I value critical thinking, listening to a range of perspectives — and using this to advocate for the community. Let’s work together to make Tawa thrive.

Michael Hill

Standing for:
Tawa Community Board, Takapū/Northern General Ward

Affiliation:
–

Principal place of residence:
In the Tawa Community Board area

Candidate statement

I've proudly called Tawa home for 19 years; raising my family here, actively contributing to our community through coaching and supporting local rugby, football and tennis clubs. I'm a member of the Tawa Residents Association and a volunteer at Linden Community Centre. My career has been dedicated to public service and community leadership - serving in senior roles with the NZ Police and across several government agencies. I have experience working with councils and cross-government agencies and have chaired many national and local forums. I believe in listening to our communities and working collaboratively with Iwi and partners to deliver outcomes that matter to people. I'm passionate about enhancing safety, creating green zones around parks and walkways, and revitalizing spaces like the Linden shopping center into vibrant, thriving hubs. I'm standing for the Tawa Community Board to help shape a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations.

Ryan McKenzie

Standing for:
Tawa Community Board

Affiliation:
–

Principal place of residence:
Not in the Tawa Community Board area

Candidate statement

My name is Ryan McKenzie and I spend nearly all of my useful hours in Tawa. I work, walk the dog and run in Tawa.

I currently reside in Johnsonville and it is partly due to the influence of large commercial property holders in Johnsonville and seeing how they can impact the vibrancy and long term future of a suburb that I have a greater appreciation for local community advocacy.

As a former business owner I have experience that I feel would be valuable to the Tawa Community Board and I would work constructively with local residents, businesses and advocacy groups.

Tawa is a suburb that has an incredible amount to offer not just locally but to the Wellington Region, along with being a great place to live, work, and enjoy.

I ask for your support to serve the Tawa Community.

Miriam Moore

Standing for:
Tawa Community Board

Affiliation:
–

Principal place of residence:
In the Tawa Community Board area

Candidate statement

It has been a rewarding three years as one of your Community Board members. The work of the Board has been critical in navigating the district and long-term plans, facilities’ upgrades and more. We have worked with other Councils on Spicer odour issues and getting a local bus service after (sadly) losing the OnDemand. But there is more to be done!

My values lie in making our streets safer, nurturing our streams, ensuring facilities meet the needs of our growing community and that Tawa is a vibrant, sustainable community, where everyone feels safe.

I work as an Urban Designer, with degrees in law, geography, and urban planning, which give me a great foundation of understanding people and place, and navigating governance systems.

I would be thrilled to be re-elected to continue to build upon the work we have done, and advocate for our amazing community over the next three years.

Rob Suisted

Standing for:
Tawa Community Board

Affiliation:
–

Principal place of residence:
In the Tawa Community Board area

Candidate statement

A lifelong Tawa local, I bring 33 years of professional experience in business and conservation to the board. I served 13 years as DoC’s National Marine Mammal Advisor, followed by 20 years as a commercial photographer.

My work appears in NZ Geographic, 15+ books including the award-winning Molesworth, and 20 images on our bank notes. It’s taken me to nearly every inch of NZ and many remote places, including 30 trips to Antarctica, and one Guinness Record. As a business owner, I also operate a private dog park in Takapu Valley and manage two small farms, giving me practical insight into local business and challenges.

I’m a father to an 8-year-old son and invested in Tawa's future. My passion for our community's history, combined with understanding how we fit within greater Wellington, positions me to advocate for Tawa's interests while preserving what makes us special. We also love the outdoors.

Additional information

Candidate contact details

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