I’m Bernard Westerbaan and I’m a proud New Zealander. I’ve got life experience and expertise built up over 55 years of hard work. 45 of those were in Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, 20 years were in accountancy, farming, and retail. 20 years working inside council, 6 years of the local community board, including the deputy chair role. I’m straight talking, honest, approachable. I care about the community and I believe in hand-ups not hand-outs.

My time inside council means I know the good as well as the bad. I know what to keep and what to change. I am frustrated with the loss of transparency, financial mismanagement, and declining services. I am worried about the rates increases and debt levels. We are not getting value for money.

I serve as the Treasurer of Te Awamutu Grey Power, and contribute to the Menzshed, the Kihikihi Police House and Isabella Temple Cottage Trust, and previously  Commsafe.

I actively support the preservation and care of the Te Awamutu Memorial Park and proudly endorse the voluntary efforts of local residents who work to maintain this important community space. In addition, I help manage several local Facebook pages, supporting community communication and engagement online.

 I see too many people struggling.  We can fix it if we start in October this year but it will not happen overnight! I have completed 15 papers through Massey University in business management in order to gain the knowledge for practical solutions.    

I am standing for council so I can listen to you and work with you to save and celebrate our community together.