About Pera

Kia ora,

The past three years have been a period of significant activity and growth, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had during this time. It has been a privilege to work for the community and to contribute to supporting vulnerable communities. This included facilitating access to affordable housing and providing critical assistance during the cyclone recovery efforts. I will also continue to strongly oppose the mega dump in the Dome Valley. 

The Kaipara region has encountered considerable challenges, yet these experiences have fostered resilience and strengthened our community. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Brethren community for their instrumental role in delivering much-needed relief during these trying times.

I am a lifelong resident of the Wairoa Ward, where I was born, raised, and educated, and where I own a property and live and work. In my spare time I volunteer and give my time to environmental, hāpu and rangatahi kaupapa. I am committed to using my platform to provide opportunities for young people in our district to feel proud of who they are and where they come from. 

I am a proud descendant of Pārore Te Awha who had a vision for a thriving community and sold (along with other Chiefs) the Tunatahi block to Mr Joseph Dargaville. I am deeply committed to upholding his vision, to foster a district where everyone can thrive. 

I have been practicing law for 10 years now. I hold a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelors of Arts majoring in Māori studies and Political Science. I am also a Resource Management Commissioner and have fast track panel experience. I am a Senior Manager for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua where I mostly advise on Resource Management, planning and policy. Recently, I appeared as Junior Counsel in the High Court to oppose the Dome Valley Landfill and will continue to actively oppose this in my capacity as Wairoa Councillor. 

With a proven tenure of three years as a Māori Ward Councillor, I have established myself as a capable and dedicated community leader. I am prepared to apply the insights and expertise I have gained to further advance the interests of the Wairoa Ward. I am confident that I have much more to contribute, and I am optimistic that the upcoming term will bring about meaningful progress and a renewed approach to leadership. 

My candidacy for council is driven by a commitment to serve the community by advocating for prudent financial management, ensuring rates remain affordable while safeguarding the quality of essential services. We can do our part to lower inflation, as should all Council's right now. I am also dedicated to ensuring Māori have a voice at the table as the only council in the country who disestablished its Māori Ward. I approach this role with complete transparency and a genuine dedication to representing the best interests of our community. I believe in making every dollar count and getting back to basics. 

Significant initiatives such as Local Waters Done Well and the Resource Management Reforms represent critical policy areas emanating from central government. It is imperative that we address these challenges with strategic foresight and effective local implementation.

To guarantee a decisive and influential presence representing Wairoa. Cast one of your three votes for me to maintain te Wairoa’s strength, stability, and voice. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Pera Paniora