Local Body Elections 2025 – Local Choice
Janette Osborne has been elected as Waitomo District Council’s third Rural Ward Councillor ahead of Gavin Todd.
Osborne, who farms near Waitomo village with her husband, was one vote behind Todd before special votes were counted on Thursday.
She finished with 694 votes to Todd’s 679.
Janette Osborne
“I am thrilled to be able to continue the work that I have been doing,” she said of her second term.
Top of her list was pursuing her investigation as to why the district’s rates were so high.
“I wonder how long it has been since we have had a zero budget,” she said.
Osborne said she was thrilled with more diversity around the council table, especially the addition of Isaiah Wallace who had aspirations to restart the youth council.
Todd – who was on our list of new councillor photos published last week – was philosophical about losing to Osborne after one term.
“It is what it is,” he said. “I am OK about it. Someone had to miss out.”
Waitomo mayoral candidates, from left, John Robertson, Natasha Willison-Reardon, Janette Osborne and Richard Ross. Photo: Chris Gardner
Osborne failed to win the mayoral vote with John Robertson securing a third term.
Roberston said now the council’s final makeup is confirmed, he will consider who his deputy will be.
Waitomo District Council’s first meeting of the term will be October 28.
Rodney Dow – Otorohanga mayor
Ōtorohanga’s new mayor Rodney Dow has already chosen Katrina Christison as his deputy.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Christison said.
“While it won’t be official until our first council meeting, I’m truly honoured by the trust and confidence he’s shown in me.”
“I bring experience from my time on council and the community board, a strong connection to our local projects, and a real passion for seeing our district thrive.
“I’m looking forward to supporting Rodney and working alongside our new council team to keep building on the momentum we’ve created — making sure our communities are heard, supported, and part of the decisions that shape our future.”
Ōtorohanga’s new councillors will be inducted in a workshop on October 28, with the first full council meeting on October 4.
Liz Stolwyk
There will be four new Waikato regional councillors at the 14-person decision-making table for the 2025-28 triennium.
In the close race for the second Waipā-King Country seat, newcomer Liz Stolwyk extended her lead over five-term incumbent Stu Kneebone.
Stolwyk becomes the fourth new regional councillor, joining the second elected member for the Waipā-King Country, Garry Reymer, as well as Gary McGuire (Waikato) and Keith Holmes (Waihou).
