The election for Community Committees is not a formal process under the Local Electoral Act 2001 as the Committee is not a formal Council Committee. However, Council is running this election in line with the principles and guidelines within that Act.

The meeting originally held on Wednesday, 26 November, was adjourned, and will be continued on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. The agenda is published in the documents below.

Seating and speeches

• Candidates, along with any elected members and staff facilitating the meeting, will be seated on the stage area in the hall.
• The main hall area will be open for members of the public to be seated, the supper room will be used as overflow seating if needed. Profile statements provided by candidates who wished to provide one will be available.
• Microphones will be used to ensure all those in attendance can hear.
• Each candidate will be provided an opportunity to speak (limited to one minute) to those present and voting.

Securing the vote

• Once all candidates have spoken, the doors to the hall will be shut to secure the voting process. If capacity overflows and doors cannot be shut, Electoral Officers will be stationed in the overflow areas.
• Council’s experienced Electoral Officers will issue ONE ballot paper individually to those present. This includes candidates, but excludes any Waikato District elected members present. 
• Ballot papers will not be handed to those who appear to be under the legal age to vote (18 years of age) unless they can provide proof they are of legal age.
• Anyone trying to enter the hall, or arriving in overflow areas after ballot papers have been issued will not be able to enter (or vote) until votes have been counted and results declared.
• There will be an announcement once ballot papers have been distributed for voting to start.

Casting votes

• Pens will be handed out with the ballot papers and will also be placed on voting stations around the hall.
• The voting period will be open for 15–20 minutes. When voting starts, it will be announced.
• Each person in attendance and voting, will receive one ballot paper that can be submitted once.
• You are allowed to vote for “up to” 12 people. As per Local Government elections, you do not have to tick 12 names if you only want to vote for a few candidates.
• If any voting papers have more than 12 candidates ticked, they will be declared invalid.
• Candidates must not pressure (coerce) any of those present for voting for specific people, nor overshadow them to see how they are voting.
• It is a public meeting, anyone present of voting age can vote.
• Once finished, your ballot paper should be folded and placed into one of the secure ballot boxes located near the Electoral Officers.
• When voting time has finished, it will be announced. Once the announcement is made, no more votes will be accepted.
  

Counting and results

• Once all ballots are received, the Chief Executive will announce that voting has closed.
• A 20–30-minute adjournment (break) will occur to enable the Electoral Officers to count the votes. The doors will be reopened at this time as no further ballot papers will be issued.
• The count will be done in a secure area within the hall with only Electoral Officials present. A police officer will be present as a scrutineer in the room at this time.
• Once all votes are counted and checked, the results will be handed to the Chief Executive for announcement.
• The results are final. There is no opportunity for challenging this election or requesting a recount.
• All votes will be placed back into the ballot box and returned to Council for destruction.
• Members of the public can choose to remain for the remainder of the meeting or leave once the declaration of results has been announced.

Maintaining order

During the meeting, it is the Chief Executive’s role to maintain order. If any disruption occurs, the Chief Executive has the right to invoke S50 of the Local Government Official Information & Meetings Act 1957 (LGOIMA):

• The person presiding may require a member of the public to leave if that person believes their behaviour is likely to hurt, or continue to hurt, the orderly running of the meeting.
• If that member of the public refuses or fails to leave, or attempts to re-enter without permission, any constable, or officer/employee of the local authority, may remove or exclude that member of the public at the request of the presiding person.

After the results are declared, the following Committee Officer positions will be elected from and by the newly elected Committee members:

• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Secretary
• Funding Representative

Officer Election Process

1. Nominations: The Chief Executive will call for nominations for Chairperson from the elected Committee members only (not members of the public).

2. Supporting the Nomination: Each nomination needs a seconder (another member to support it) or the nomination will fail (lapse).

3. Open Voting: To ensure an open and transparent process, each election will be carried out using a division process. This means that Committee Members (including appointed Councillors, unless they have a conflict of interest) will have their names called and will publicly state their preference for the nominees.

4. Repetition and Tied Votes: This process is repeated for each of the four positions. If any position ends in a tie, the decision will be made by lot. This means the tied names will be placed into a container (receptacle), and the successful candidate is the name pulled out by the Chief Executive.

After the election of the officers, the new Chairperson will take over the meeting to discuss the balance of agenda items, which includes setting a schedule of meetings for 2026.

Only people who are present at the meeting can vote for the candidates, no online or proxy voting will be permitted.

It is a public meeting, and any member of the public present can vote.

There is no requirement (like those for members of the committee) for members of the public voting to be from Pookeno or have a vested interest in Pookeno.

Associate Professor Dr Sarah Baker

As a long-time advocate for community development and social wellbeing, I am putting myself forward for the Pōkeno Community Committee because I believe deeply in the power of strong, connected, and future-focused communities. In my role as Associate Professor at AUT and Co-Director of the Communication for Social Change Research Centre, my work focuses on how communities and groups thrive through collaboration, clear communication, and equitable decision-making. These are principles I will bring directly to the committee.

Pōkeno is growing rapidly, and with growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. I want to ensure that local voices are heard that our planning reflects the needs of whānau, and that we protect what makes Pōkeno special while preparing wisely for its future. My professional experience—leading complex projects, and advocating for inclusive, evidence-based solutions—positions me to contribute constructively and thoughtfully.

I am committed to transparent communication, meaningful engagement, and practical outcomes that enhance community wellbeing. If elected, I will work hard to strengthen connections across our neighbourhoods, support community-led initiatives, and champion a Pōkeno where everyone feels valued and represented.

I would be honoured to serve and contribute to shaping the vibrant future our community deserves.

• Alternate Director of ANCAP (Australasian new car assessment program),
• Board Member and Treasurer for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS NZ Inc),
• Committee Member on the World Road Association Technical Committee for Freight Transport.

My name is Ginny Bullock.  I have lived in Pokeno for the last 7 years.  I was co-opted onto the PCC as Secretary in October 2020 by the then chairman, Ric Odom.  I have been Secretary of the Committee since then.  I am a Justice of the Peace and run a service desk at Pokeno Hall on a Wednesday between 12 and 1 as well as shifts at Pukekohe CAB and at home.  I am also a volunteer at Papakura Citizens Advice Bureau .I enjoy gardening and reading when I have time.

Greetings.

I am Allen Grainger a resident of nearly ten years here in Pokeno.

I am currently a member of the Pokeno Community Committee, working on your behalf to bring new and much needed facilities to our Town. Including the Pokeno Sports Park and Market Street Community HUB.

These will give our generation and those in future years places they can be proud of and call their own.

Pokeno is growing rapidly and we need to have a strong voice working along side the Waikato District Council.

We must ensure we get the best for our Rates and other costs, providing green spaces to enable all our Residents a place to enjoy and relax in.

We need to ensure also our Town is presented in the best possible condition, with gardens and surrounds being regularly maintained.

Waikato District Council cannot always provide funding to cover costs of new facilities, so I want to be part of the Fund Raising groups to allow this to happen.

A Community Centre building or similar at the Sports Park comes readily to mind, lets get the project started and give Pokeno somewhere our people can enjoy for years to come.

I am passionate about Pokeno growing and being the best Town around.

One of my yearly ventures is the Annual Christmas Parade which brings so much joy to many.

I am POSITIVELY POKENO a fantastic place to live and grow.

I have lived in Pokeno for 4 years. During this time I have been part of many projects in Pokeno.  Namely the Pokeno Tennis and recreation Hub, the planning of the new HUB in Market street, The Sports Park in Munroe Road , Another great initiative is the Pokeno Community Response Group.  I have also started a great Pickleball group where we have had many people from different parts of the world come and play.  

I am always putting up my hand to help in any way. I want to contribute to the PCC and help shape the future  growth of Pokeno .

I am a strong believer in democracy and accountability. I will advocate for  equal opportunity for all in Pokeno. and  will not make promises that I can't keep.

Volunteering is what I do, giving back to the community is how I get to like the person I look at in the mirror. I will straighten my crown, hold my head high and volunteer my time to the awesome Community of Pokeno.

Dhanak Humayun is a New Zealand citizen, born and raised in Kuwait to Indian parents, and a dedicated member of the Pōkeno Community Committee.

A proud Pōkeno resident for two years and a mother of two, she brings strong family values, cultural insight, and community-driven leadership to her role.

With a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Dhanak blends analytical thinking with creativity and innovation. As an award-winning fashion designer and founder of Rakshi’s Design, her couture has been showcased in museums and featured across Bollywood and Hollywood platforms. She has received multiple awards for her community work and leadership.

Through DH Events, she has successfully led fundraising initiatives for the Cancer Society, Help Organisation, and the Salvation Army, supporting vulnerable communities with compassion and action. Her commitment to women’s empowerment, cultural representation, and inclusive development makes her feel to work more towards Pōkeno’s diverse and rapidly growing community.

I was born in South Africa and relocated to New Zealand nearly four years ago.

As a homeowner and resident of Pokeno, having lived in the area as a tenant in 2022 and subsequently purchasing a home in December 2023, I have developed a strong connection to the community.

With 30 years of experience as a professionally registered civil engineering technologist and project manager, my expertise includes construction project management, contract management, and civil engineering, with a focus on largescale infrastructure development projects in New Zealand and South Africa.

My professional background encompasses various sectors, including utilities, transportation, and building engineering.

In my leisure time, I enjoy cycling, running, and spending time with my wife and our two beagles.

I am committed to being part of Pokeno's transformation, with the goal of restoring community pride in the town and its surroundings.

My name is Prince Kalra, and I have proudly called Pokeno home for the past six years. As a local real estate agent and an active member of the Pokeno Community Hall, I am deeply connected with our community and always look for ways to give back.

Over the years, I have organised several free community events, including Pokeno Diwali (3 times) and Ladies’ Night, bringing people together and celebrating our wonderful diversity.

Supporting Pokeno School has always been important to me. I have sponsored the Gala Day First Prize for the past two years, including this year’s $1,500 grocery voucher, helping the school raise valuable funds.

With community feedback and demand, I am also working towards installing family seating/benches at the Harrowest Johnston Drive kids’ park, so local families have a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the space.

I am standing for the Pokeno Community Committee Member position because I care about our community, and I want to continue contributing positively—supporting local initiatives, improving facilities, and helping Pokeno grow in a way that benefits everyone.

Kia ora, my name is Nicola Leman, but please call me Nicky. I’m standing for the Pōkeno Community Committee because I care deeply about the wellbeing, safety, and future of our growing town. As a mother, grandmother, and committed member of this community, I want Pōkeno to remain a place where families feel supported, connected, and proud to belong.

I bring decades of senior leadership experience across major infrastructure, water, civil, and construction projects throughout New Zealand. These roles have strengthened my skills in governance, community engagement, problem-solving, and navigating complex council and regulatory environments. I understand how to advocate effectively, make sound decisions, and ensure planning and investment genuinely meet community needs.

 Pōkeno is expanding rapidly, bringing both opportunity and pressure. My focus is ensuring our local voice is heard and that essential services, infrastructure, schools, roads, parks, and facilities keep pace with our growth. I am passionate about improving safety, strengthening community connection, and championing fair, transparent, people-focused decision-making.

I am driven by integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to the families who live here. I’m standing because I want Pōkeno to thrive now and for future generations.

 Thank you for your support.

My name is Jay Singh, and I’ve been living in the Kowhai Downs area with my family for the past five years. I’m a proud parent of two children who attend the local Pokeno Primary School. We love being part of this welcoming and fast-growing community, and over the years, Pokeno has truly become our home.

I work in real estate and have seen firsthand the incredible development and potential in this area. With strong community spirit and continuous growth, I believe Pokeno has a bright future ahead.

My name is Lynda Spicer, a Pokeno resident for 16 years.  I run 3 businesses based in Pokeno.  

I was formerly a FCO & CEO of a major international company so I bring along a lot of business skills. I am a former Lion, who served in another community for 6 years, being President for 2 of these years. I have also served on the Auckland Veteran & Vintage Car club committee for the past 15 years.   

 I am currently a member of the Pokeno Community Response Group and my husband is part of the MensShed group.  I am looking forward to being able to serve our vibrant Pokeno community.

The election held on Wednesday, 26 November, was voided because it became evident that the integrity of the process was comprised. The Chief Executive ceased the process and adjourned the meeting until Tuesday, 2 December.

The reconvened election and meeting will be run using the principles and guidance of the Local Electoral Act 2001.

No. People who are present at the meeting can vote as it is a public meeting. You do not have to prove that you live in the area.

To ensure integrity, ONE ballot paper will be provided individually to those present by the Electoral Officers. The doors to the hall will be shut once speeches are over, and no one will be able to enter until the results are declared. If the capacity of the hall overflows, Electoral Officers will be stationed in these areas, and will manage the situation.

You are allowed to vote for “up to” 12 people. You do not need to vote for 12 candidates if you do not wish to.

If any voting paper has more than 12 candidates ticked, it will be declared invalid

No ID or proof of address is required. However, ballot papers will not be handed out to those who appear to be under the legal voting age (18 years of age) unless they can provide proof of age.

The count will be done in a secure place within the hall by Electoral Officials. To ensure oversight, a police officer will be present as a scrutineer in the room during the count.

The results of the election will be final. There is no opportunity for challenging this election or requesting a recount.

No, the election for Community Committees is not a formal process under the Local Electoral Act 2001. However, Council will use the principles and guidelines within that Act to guide the process for this meeting.

The Council confirms that nomination forms were received for 15 candidates and were deemed all in order by the Chief Executive and an Electoral Officer present on Wednesday, 26 November.

Nominations are now closed and cannot be disputed.

The election is solely for the 12 vacant Committee positions, the Mayor has also appointed elected Councillors to the Committee. The election of Committee officers (Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Funding Rep) is conducted separately by the newly elected Committee members only. Officer nominations require a seconder from the elected Committee.

Yes. All candidates and subsequently elected Committee members are required to adhere to the Council’s Code of Conduct. This is part of the Terms of Reference set within the 2025–2028 Waikato District Council Governance Structure.

Email your questions to democracy@waidc.govt.nz. Questions received will be added to this FAQ section as received.

All questions need to be received by Council by 10 am on Tuesday, 2 December.