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In October elections were held for Council and for all three of our Community Boards. Unfortunately, in Twizel not enough people were nominated to fill all the vacancies so we must now hold an extra election (a by-election) to find a fourth person to join Tony Hodges, Mary Murdoch, and Katrina Te Rito who were elected unopposed.
What does a Community Board do?
A Community Board is made up of people who represent and advocate for their community’s interests. They bring the views of their community, community organisations and special interest groups to the attention of Council.
They maintain an overview of Council services and provide feedback from their community to Council, and they campaign for improvements on behalf of their community.
They meet six times a year. More information is available in the Candidate Handbook.
Voting
This by-election will be by postal vote, and as long as you are enrolled to vote in Twizel you will receive voting papers by mail.
Enrol to Vote
Ratepayers who live outside the district but who own a house in Twizel may enrol as a ratepayer elector on the non-resident ratepayer elector enrolment form available from either of the Mackenzie District Council offices, Main Street, Fairlie or Marketplace Twizel. Online applications for ratepayer elector registration can also be made through the non-resident ratepayer portal: www.electionz.com/ratepayer.
Call the Deputy Electoral Officer on 027 363 1797 if you have questions about this.
Key Dates
- Voting opens Friday 30 January
- Voting closes 12 noon Tuesday 3 March
Candidates standing
Pat Shuker
My principal residence is within the Twizel Community Board area. My name is Pat Shuker and I have been a member of the community board twice previously. I want to ensure that our community upholds democratic principles rather than slipping into any form of dictatorship. Those who remember me from my last membership of the board, know that I stand up for the people and not myself. My actions will be guided by the people and needs of Twizel.
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Tom Goodman
My principal residence is within the Twizel Community Board area. I’ve called Twizel home for the past five years. I originally moved here at 25 to complete my Master of Science degree and quickly fell in love with the area, deciding to stay. My partner and I now live out at Manuka Terrace. I work for DOC, focusing on protecting native species in our braided river systems. Being part of the Twizel community is something I value deeply, especially through social sports and recreational activities across the district. I’m excited about the opportunity to join the Community Board. It would allow me to better understand what matters most to the people of Twizel and help ensure we’re moving in the right direction long-term—particularly when it comes to shared spaces and preserving what makes the Mackenzie District such a special place.
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Tony Atwool
My principal residence is NOT within the Twizel Community Board area. I am Tony Atwool, married to Gayleen for 49 years, with four adult daughters and twelve grandchildren. After many holidays in Twizel, we built a family home here in 2013 and have loved becoming part of the community. Now recently retired, I wish to give back by serving on the community Board. My career involved working with South Island councils on water infrastructure, giving me a solid understanding of the challenges faced. I am committed to maintaining Twizel’s town and reserves, especially as economic pressures grow. I believe in taking action, not just talking.
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Zoe White
My principal residence is within the Twizel Community Board area. For the past eight years I have proudly called Twizel home, where I live with my husband and our three children. I grew up on the other side of the Mackenzie Basin, and that local connection continues to shape my commitment to our community. I work as a nurse, a role that strengthens my dedication to supporting the wellbeing of others and contributing to a caring, resilient town. I am passionate about the outdoors and the unique environment we are so fortunate to live in. As a parent, I have a strong interest in creating safe, engaging spaces and activities for our children, including well-designed playgrounds and family-friendly facilities. I am also a member of the Twizel JAB Rugby Committee and am excited to see our project progress toward completion. I look forward to helping bring this opportunity to life for the whole community to enjoy.
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Election documents
- Twizel Community Board By-election information sheet - PDF, 119.3 KB
- Notice of By-election for the Twizel Community Board - 14/11/2025
Contact us
Anthony Morton
Electoral Officer
Ph 0800 666 048 or email iro@electionz.com
Nic Zuppicich
Deputy Electoral Officer
Mackenzie District Council
Ph 03 685 9010 or email elections@mackenzie.govt.nz