Clare St Pierre finished third out of three in the Waipā mayoralty race, but says it was an “amazing experience”
Clare St Pierre, in Te Awamutu
She retained her Pirongia-Kakepuku ward seat on council and is seen as a potential deputy to incoming mayor Mike Pettit.
Les Bennett is set to join her as the second ward representative, succeeding Bruce Thomas, who did not stand.
Although unsuccessful in her bid to become mayor, Pirongia-based and Te Rore-raised St Pierre said she learnt a lot from the campaign.
“It’s pretty daunting and demanding, but people really appreciate anyone putting their hand up and wanting to work for the community,” St Pierre said. “They’re very supportive and encouraging. I didn’t expect that.
“Then you realise the things that are important to people, don’t always match the things that have been brought to the council table.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed that I wasn’t successful, but all three mayoral candidates ran good campaigns. We stuck to the issues.”
Running for mayor took her council campaign to another level and it was a positive experience.
“It just affirms what an amazing district we’ve got, that people that live here really care about it, want to see the best for it, and I just love being part of that.”
St Pierre said she’s pleased the voters in her ward have kept confidence in her as a representative.
A happier time in council chambers, Pirongia-Kakepuku ward councillors Clare St Pierre, centre, with outgoing councillors Bruce Thomas, right, and deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk. Photo: Benjamin Wilson.
“I’m really pleased that the ward I live in has continued to support me because this will mean I’m on for my fifth term,” St Pierre said.
“It says to me that I’ve been doing the right thing, in the things I’ve been trying to promote, for the Pirongia-Kakepuku ward during the last three years.
“I really love representing the western and southern sides of the district, the rural communities. I grew up in a rural community. It’s a special part of the Waipā.
“A lot of people live in the rural area and they deserve to have a strong voice around the council table. I’m happy to do that.”
St Pierre says if offered the deputy mayor role, she wouldn’t hesitate to take it on – “but obviously it’s still early days”.
“The more you get involved in council, the more you realise that there is the possibility to do more in that advocacy role, that more senior members of council can do. It is important. I feel like I’d do a great job of that,” St Pierre said.
Les Bennett – 2025
Fellow Pirongia-Kakepuku ward councillor Les Bennett is part of the Better Waipā team, focussed on controlling expenses.
“I don’t know a lot about him but that was definitely my campaign platform too. So, we’re probably on the same page there.”
Bennett said it was a bit of a hard campaign and “a lot of dirt got thrown around”.
“It was a bit sad to see. Especially we had a few councillors that got into the swamp,” Bennett said.
“I suppose you’ve got to expect that, but we’ll have to get past that and work with them in council table.
“Hopefully we can make a bit of change and open up the communications with the community – that seems to be lacking – and get rid of some of the censorship that’s been going on in council,” Bennett said.
Clare St Pierre relaxes at home after her reelection as a councillor. Photo: Jesse Wood
