*correcting William Tregloan Thomas, who was mayor of Woolston, not the famous sculptor William Thomas Trethewey.
The upcoming local body elections will feature another family rivalry – Waipā councillor Dale-Maree Morgan and her husband Steve Hutt are both standing as candidates in Ngāruawāhia.
Dale-Maree Morgan and husband Steve Hutt at a Government House gathering. Photo: Supplied.
Morgan is contesting two positions: re-election to the Waipā Māori Ward and a seat on the Ngāruawāhia Community Board. The couple, who live in Ngāruawāhia, are both actively involved in their community.
This marks the second family contest in the elections, following Garry Reymer and Liz Stolwyk – brother and sister-in-law – who are standing for the Waikato Regional Council in the Waipā–King Country constituency.
Hutt is an award-winning special effects’ graphic designer for Wētā Workshop. His work includes Fist of the Condor, Black Panther and The Big Friendly Giant, modelled on him.
* Morgan’s whānau has been in Waipā for 26 generations although she recently discovered her great great grandfather William Tregloan Thomas was mayor of Woolston.
“It’s funny, I never knew I had an elected member in my whakapapa until my uncle shared it with me (recently).”
Morgan said she could manage being on Waipā council and on Waikato District Council’s Ngāruawāhia Community Board.
“I’m totally dedicated to the mahi.”
Yvonne Waho
Yvonne Waho is the other nominee in the Waipā Māori ward and both left it to the last minute to get their names in.
Morgan was a victim of the recent Māori roll controversy where several people’s enrolment details were changed or erased without their knowledge.
She had to get another person to nominate her in Waipā and two others in Ngāruawāhia.
The competition between her and Hutt has involved gentle ribbing thus far. They are among 10 candidates vying for six seats on the board which meets on a six-weekly cycle usually starting at 6pm.
Waipā council meetings are usually held during the day.
Dale-Maree Morgan and Steve Hutt at Soldiers Road Portraits, local Cambridge, Nordstrom whānau business.
