For Waiuku, Always.

While the result didn’t go our way this time, I couldn’t be prouder of the campaign we ran and the message we shared. I stood for better roads, safer communities, and a stronger Waiuku – and 746 of you stood with me.

These results are based on the progress count, which doesn’t yet include any votes cast today or special votes. In past elections, Waiuku has seen some significant changes between the progress and preliminary results, so there’s still more to come. As it stands, Gary Holmes and Hunter Hawker are provisionally elected, and I’m currently sitting in third place – which I’m incredibly proud of as a 22-year-old first-time candidate.

To everyone who believed, supported, volunteered, and voted – thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your trust and encouragement have meant everything.

I’d also like to sincerely congratulate the successful candidates, Gary Holmes and Hunter Hawker. I know how much time, energy, and heart goes into a campaign, and I wish them all the best as they take on the important responsibility of representing our community. Waiuku deserves strong, collaborative leadership, and I’ll always support efforts that move our town forward.

I also want to acknowledge and thank the other candidates – Tom van der Laan, Les Thomas, Ngaire Raumati, and Daymond Goulder-Hoblin – for their efforts in this campaign. Putting yourself forward for public service takes courage and commitment, and every candidate contributed to the conversation about Waiuku’s future.

Campaigns end, but community doesn’t.

I’m still here, still proud to call Waiuku home, and still committed to working for our town and the wider Franklin area. Whether it’s through local projects, community groups, or the organisations I already serve with – my passion for helping people and strengthening our community won’t stop here.

From Waiuku, For Waiuku has never just been a slogan; it’s who I am, and it’s what I’ll continue to live by.

This chapter might be closing, but our story together is far from finished.

Thank you, Waiuku – for your belief, your kindness, and your voice.

Tremayne Thompson