NEWS
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | hcpost.news
Hauraki-Coromandel Post 5
Mayoral Hopeful Levi Phoenix Launches Hauraki Campaign M ayoral candidate Levi Phoenix — whose name will appear on the leadership” after difficult years. “I want to see our people happy, safe, supported, and thriving, with a Council that actually works for them.” local government. My efforts were focused on challenging that power and advocating for transparency, freedom, and psychological safety.”
ballot as Levi Burton — is stepping forward in the 2025 Hauraki District elections with a campaign focused on contribution, connection, and community transformation. “After years of travelling, I’ve come home with a deep sense of purpose. I’m standing for Mayor because I want to give back to the community that raised me; to share what I’ve learned and use those lessons to help create a better future for all of us in Hauraki,” Phoenix said. “For me, life isn’t about money or status. I’ve explored that path and found that real fulfilment comes from contribution, connection, and purpose. Once we have enough to live…the pursuit of more brings diminishing returns. What truly matters is what we do with our time, our energy, and our hearts.” Phoenix said Hauraki needs “strong, compassionate
He credits Waihi College teacher Hilton Galey with inspiring his lifelong love of learning. “He told me: never stop learning. I’ve carried that philosophy ever since.” Phoenix describes himself as guided by “intuition, empathy, and a powerful inner sense of vision and responsibility.” His professional background spans construction, finance, policy writing and physical labour. “I’ve worked with my hands, my mind, and my heart, and I’ve learned how to connect with people from all walks of life.” He said his earlier involvement in Westland politics was misunderstood. “I didn’t stand for Mayor of Westland District Council in 2023. What I was actually doing at the time was…pushing back against the influence of the Gloriavale cult, which had concerning levels of sway over
The experience, he said, showed him the barriers in New Zealand’s electoral system. “Right now, our electoral system favours a very narrow slice of society. If you don’t fit a certain mould…the barriers to standing for office can be overwhelming. That’s not democracy. That’s exclusion.” Phoenix said he brings “honesty, integrity, and heart” to the mayoral race. “I’m not here to serve myself, I’m here to serve the people…We don’t just need people making decisions, we need people who listen first.” He also noted voters will see him listed as Levi Burton on papers due to electoral regulations. “My legal name is Levi Phoenix… This issue reflects a wider problem with the current system, where rigid and outdated rules make it harder for people to represent themselves authentically.”
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Hauraki Mayoral candidate Levi Phoenix.
KKWB/Kaimai Meet the candidates L ocal residents are taking democracy into their own hands with a series of independently organised • Boyd Room, The Hub, 2–5pm Kaimai Ward (Omokoroa & Te Puna) • Wed 27 Aug — Te Puna School Hall, 7–9pm
online, video coverage of the meetings, and social media- friendly content to help voters compare choices. Confirmed Events Katikati/Waihi Beach (KKWB Ward) • Sat 30 Aug — KK Community Board & Council Candidates, McKinney Room, The Hub, 2–5pm • Sun 31 Aug — WB Community Board & Council Candidates, Community Centre Supper Room, Waihi Beach, 10am– 1pm • Sun 7 Sept — Mayoral, Waka Kai Uru, Regional Council, and Mauao Ward Candidates: • Waihi Beach RSA, 10am–1pm
“Meet the Candidates” events across the Katikati/Waihi Beach (KKWB) and Kaimai wards. Fed up with political waffle? These forums cut out the long speeches and empty promises, delivering clear, straight answers to the questions that matter most. Along with open Q&A, candidates will also face quick- fire rounds to show exactly where they stand on the key issues. Organisers say the aim this year is to take things further, with detailed candidate questionnaires to be published
• Sat 30 Aug — Te Puna School Hall, 3–4pm, “Mix & Mingle” with all candidates over afternoon tea These events are free to attend and supported by the Katikati/ Waihi Beach Residents & Ratepayers Association and Te Puna Heartlands Inc. All voters are encouraged to come along, ask questions, and see for themselves which candidates have real answers — and which ones are just blowing hot air.
PHOTO: CFM
The garage at the Tairua Police station gutted by fire.
Fire Destroys Garage and Police Car at Tairua Station
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A fire at the Tairua Police Station early on the morning of August 9 destroyed a garage and a Police vehicle. Inspector Mike Henwood, Area Commander for Eastern Waikato, said emergency services were called to the
station at about 5:20am. “The garage and a Police car at the rear of the station have been destroyed, while the station itself has sustained minimal damage,” he said. There were no injuries reported, and the blaze is not being treated as suspicious.
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