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The change we need.
The voice you
deserve.

Campaigning for a Better Future

  • Mon, 22 Sept
    Orongomai Marae Upper Hutt
    22 Sept 2025, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
    Orongomai Marae Upper Hutt, 1/9 Railway Avenue, Maidstone, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand
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  • Tue, 23 Sept
    The Hub Social Coffee and Op Shop
    23 Sept 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
    The Hub Social Coffee and Op Shop, 496 Fergusson Drive, Trentham, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand
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  • Wed, 24 Sept
    Ground Floor - Whirinaki Whare Taonga
    24 Sept 2025, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
    Ground Floor - Whirinaki Whare Taonga, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Central, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand
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Dedicated Candidate

I am a dedicated candidate committed to representing the voices and interests of the community. With a focus on transparency and accountability, my goal is to bring positive change and progress to Upper Hutt.

As a candidate, I stand for integrity, inclusivity, and effective governance. I aim to address key issues facing Upper Hutt through community engagement, evidence-based policies and value for money solutions.

Trentham Memorial Park

My Vision

My vision is engagement with the community, listening to its concerns, and uniting to build a more inclusive Upper Hutt.

We have an outstanding natural environment, leisure and recreational opportunities. We are a great place for families to live, work, and play. 

My Values

My values are integrity, empathy, and honesty, and are grounded in a strong sense of duty, which drives my dedication to serving the community, fostering positive relationships, and contributing to a healthy and inclusive society.

Representation

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Voice of the People

I have strong governance experience and understanding of the community and Local Government. I am very familiar with being the voice of the community locally, nationally, and internationally. I am often around the council table, questioning and being a voice with integrity for our community and our businesses.

Community
Engagement

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Building Together

I will lead the development of the council’s plans, policies, and budgets with consultation with the community and consideration by the council members. 

Authentic

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Open Communication

I will ensure our council has a focus on value for money in the services it delivers, demonstrating this through clear communication with the community

Financial Sustainability

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Empower council to build thriving,

resilient communities.

I will secure the council's long-term financial sustainability by managing its debt, funding only essential services, and limiting non-essential projects. 

Local Water

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Addressing our water infrastructure challenges.

As the 'Local Water Done Well' initiative progresses, I am committed to ensuring transparency in our council’s considerations while advocating for affordable water solutions that benefit our community. 

Improvement Plans 

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We can do better.

I will ensure the council responds to the community’s priorities and concerns by acting on the Community Survey results and sharing our improvement plans. 

Trust 

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Be true to our word and follow through with actions.

I will build community trust in the council by reassessing our communication strategies and channels to enhance engagement through focus groups on our economy, our environment, and upcoming legislation. 

Performance 

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Achieving goals, meeting targets, and

demonstrating tangible results.

I will establish Key Performance Indicators for our Councillors and our Chief Executive which will be reviewed annually and then shared with the community 

Endorsements

I have been privileged to have support from various members and organisations from our community.

We wholeheartedly recommend Hellen Swales for Mayor of Upper Hutt City.
Hellen brings an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of local government - an invaluable asset to the community.
 
Her strong ethics, unwavering integrity, and tireless energy for the causes she's passionate about are truly unmatched.
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Megan and Wayne Toms
All About Kitchens and Bathrooms
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Thank you for visiting my campaign website.

I hope to meet you at one of the events

listed on this website.

You can also follow my campaign on Facebook

  • Facebook
The Hutt River - Te Awa Kairangi
Authorised by Hellen Swales - hellenformayor@gmail.com
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