- Updated to include Don Sanders
The News asked Cambridge ward candidates to provide us with no more than 30 words on why they were standing for public office and what one bit of difference would they want to make if elected.
Some provided more than we asked for, some were repetitive, so we cropped them back. Here is what they had to say.
Cambridge Ward
Aidhean Camson:
Although new to Cambridge, I believe my skills and experience in large-scale, global infrastructure projects will help Waipā more efficiently deliver existing and future services.
I want to drive accountability by making it easy for ratepayers to understand how the council’s day-to-day work aligns with the long-term plan, strategy, and vision.
Aidhean Camson – 2025
Mike Cater:
Council is ignoring the community and spending our money on their agenda. I am standing for the Better Waipā team because we need councillors who will listen to the people. My role in the team is to represent businesses. Success is a healthy economy with good jobs.
Mike Cater – 2025
Philip Coles:
To continue the achievements gained in the community the past 15 years as an elected member of the community board and the last two terms as a Cambridge ward councillor.
During my time in public life, I’ve always made myself accessible and been involved in the community which helps get a clear understanding of the pressing issues.
Philip Coles – 2025
Jo Davies-Colley:
After serving on the community board for six years, I’m ready to step up, represent our vibrant community, and work hard to build a connected, bright future for Cambridge.
I want to be a councillor who builds a stronger partnership between council and community, ensuring projects like Cambridge Connections are community-led, transparent, and deliver exceptional outcomes for Cambridge.
Jo Davies-Colley – 2025
Roger Gordon:
Honesty. Reliability. Integrity. I value the opportunity to contribute to the future of Cambridge. I have governance and strategic planning experience plus a commitment to represent those that elect me.
I will call for changes to the meeting format and reporting content of council and its committees for greater transparency and accountability for the decisions it makes and the services it delivers.
Roger Gordon – 2025
Ian Hayton:
Council has become bureaucratic, with too many meetings, reports, and consultants. I am standing for the Better Waipā team because we need council to be productive and deliver good services.
My role in the Better Waipā team is to drive efficiency and innovation. Success is saving money while improving services through smart solutions.
Ian Hayton – 2025
Stuart Hylton:
Council needs a wake-up call! With over 30 years of global experience managing large scale projects for infrastructure, productivity improvement and efficiency savings; I am your Act local candidate.
To refocus council on what matters for all residents. Using my knowledge and experience to guide council to deliver core services well, stop wasteful spending, and keep rates down.
Stuart Hylton – 2025
Pip Kempthorne (also Community Board):
We need a fresh voice for Cambridge to ensure that our council is listening to and doing the right thing for Cambridge residents and predicted growth of our beautiful town.
With my significant professional experience and ability to bring people together, I’m committed to listening to residents, weighing up issues carefully and making decisions that serve our community’s best interests.
Pip Kempthorne – 2025
Karla Lugatiman:
I care about our community and want to help make Waipā a place where families, businesses and everyday people feel supported, heard and proud to call Waipā home.
I want to be a real voice at the table bringing the everyday concerns of locals into decisions that truly make life better for all of us in Waipā.
Karla Lugatiman – 2025
Dave Marinkovich:
To bring some representation for everyday people and to contribute to the future of our town and district. I really want to help reconnect our community with local council.
Dave Marinkovich – 2025
Stuart Matthews:
I’m as fed up as everyone else. You have to make the community you want to live in, and I’m able to make councillor my only job.
I’d like to reduce the number of pokie machines in Waipā at the 2026 review of the district’s gambling policy.
Stuart Matthews – 2025
Barry Quayle:
Council has lacked sound planning and financial governance. I have the skills and experience as regional council Finance and other positions to ensure excellence in governance.
The long-term plan contained high-risk elements; the Auditor General gave it an adverse opinion. Less than 5% of councils had an adverse opinion. I can make a needed correction over the next term of council.
Barry Quayle – 2025
Don Sanders:
I’m standing for local government because Cambridge needs leadership that puts residents first—protecting affordability, planning infrastructure before growth, and ensuring decisions are made transparently and locally.
One difference I want to make is tying council spending to accountability—capping rates to inflation and protecting seniors—so the council lives within its means, just like Cambridge households do.
Don Sanders
Hope Spooner:
Council should make Waipā a great place to live, but it is doing the opposite. I am standing for the Better Waipā team because we need to change it back.
My role in the Better Waipā team is to represent families, young and old. Success is a happy community that can afford to choose Waipā for their home.
Hope Spooner – 2025
Maungatautari ward
Mike Montgomerie elected unopposed.
Mike Montgomerie
