2025 Local Election Candidates
To view the candidates for a specific ward or area, click the buttons below.
- View candidates for the regional council on the Environment Canterbury website.
- Not sure which ward you live in? Search for your address on our ADC Election App.
Ashburton Ward
(5 Vacancies)
These are the candidates standing for the Ashburton Ward in the 2025 local elections. Candidates are listed alphabetically by their surname.
All profile statements and photos are provided by the candidates. Mayoral and Council candidates were also offered the opportunity to record a short video.
CAMERON, Carolyn

Candidate details
Phone: 021 729 098
Email: cjcameron@xtra.co.nz
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is in the Ashburton Ward area.
It would be a privilege to be re-elected to work for the people of Ashburton. Over the past 6 years I have consistently supported our community to the best of my abilities.
Living and working in Ashburton has given me a great opportunity to speak to many people of their hopes, aspirations and insights for our district. I still have the drive and more importantly the experience to make those ambitions real and I seek your support to do so.
If re-elected, my priorities will be the core business of council such as maintaining our roading network, our drinking and waste waters, our community facilities such as our gardens, cemeteries, lakes, libraries and museums. I will safeguard ratepayers return on their rates by careful, accountable and transparent expenditure.
First and foremost, Ashburton is our town. Let’s keep moving forward and make it an even better place to live.
COJOCARU, Leonard

Candidate details
Phone: 021 022 31520
Email: leonard.cojocaru@yahoo.co.nz
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is in the Ashburton Ward area.
I arrived in New Zealand in 2005. Since then, my family and I have been living in Ashburton. I'm known as the owner of Sparkle Jewellery on Burnett Street.
I really enjoy this town, and I will always try my best to contribute to Ashburton. I have the ability to listen and communicate with other people . I am a proud husband and a proud father.
My main drive is to find ways to keep young people in town.
ELLIS, Russell

Candidate details
Phone: 027 438 0112
Email: russellellis.ashburton@gmail.com
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is not in the Ashburton Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.
I have a long association with the Ashburton area and am passionate about our district and everything that is a part of it. I am a current councillor, having been elected by the Ashburton Ward for three terms and I currently chair two council committees.
In 2013, I brought to council my business knowledge, community leadership and enthusiasm for the Ashburton District. With nine years’ experience of Council process and protocols my enthusiasm for serving Ashburton is undiminished. I have a consistent record of voting to get the greatest value for ratepayers and ensuring the best for our community. I bring a common-sense attitude that benefits residents and know this must be the basis of all decisions made by council.
I look forward to continuing to work hard to ensure the best outcomes for everyone in the Ashburton district through the next three years.
HOOPER, Phill

Candidate details
Phone: 027 464 6805
Email: phill@hoops.co.nz
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is in the Ashburton Ward area.
Hi, I'm Phill Hooper or Hoops as most know me by.
I was born in Ashburton and have lived here most of my life. I know first-hand what a great place this is.
I have loved my first term as a Councillor and have learned a lot from my experienced colleagues. We have some exciting times ahead and I have much more that I want to achieve around the Council table and in our community.
We need to continue to make Mid Canterbury an attractive place to live and work in, do the basics well and keep rate rises to a minimum.
Family is important to me and that’s why I have asked my Father and Father-in-law to nominate me.
I hope to be the voice for you and your family.
I'm a proud husband, a proud father and a proud Mid Cantabrian with an ability to listen and communicate.
MOFFETT, Julie

Candidate details
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is in the Ashburton Ward area.
Ashburton has been good to me in the time that I have lived here, and I’d like to play a part in helping it make the most of its potential.
We need leaders who understand the strengths and vulnerabilities of the district and the impact of the decisions made in the council chamber be it social and economic.
I'm a journalist with a background in commercial and public news outlets, and for the last two years I’ve been at the Ashburton Guardian.
This has given me opportunities to connect with all sorts – from the homeless to sporting achievers, business people to social workers, councillors to central government MPs.
I have the ability to process information and ask the right questions, and look at things from a number of perspectives.
My aim would be to encourage unity in council and in a community that provides opportunities and care for everyone.
POOLE, Steph

Candidate details
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is not in the Ashburton Ward area.
Ashburton is a diverse, vibrant and growing district - I’m standing for Ashburton District Council because I believe Council should reflect the community they're elected to represent.
I live in Hinds and am running in the Ashburton Ward because our community isn’t confined by ward lines - it’s across Mid Canterbury, and so are the challenges we face.
I believe in practical, respectful and realistic leadership that reflects the diverse voices of everyday residents.
I understand the pressures families face, rising costs, limited services, and the need for stronger local advocacy and support.
If elected, I’ll bring a fresh, family-focused voice to the Council table. One grounded in lived experience, hard work, and passion for our district’s future. I’ll push for inclusive representation and long-term thinking, not just patch fixes.
Ashburton deserves a Council that truly listens and delivers - for our families, for our community, for our future.
facebook.com/stephpooleashburton
RYAN, Jeff (Independent)
Independent

Candidate details
Phone: 027 701 2006
Email: jcrmc250@outlook.com
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is in the Ashburton Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.
Roads, Rivers, Rates, A Lake and a major Tourism Opportunity.
With rising costs, it’s time to be very prudent in our decision making and governance. The Government is making changes to reduce costs and compliance within Regional Governance and the RMA. I stand for capped rates.
Changing Weather Patterns are forcing us to address issues that could affect our lives, the main problem is river management.
Flooding is now a major concern. Gravel extraction is needed, and the stop banks strengthened. The Gravel recycled used to strengthen the base on many of our roads.
Lake Hood needs fresh clean water. The current inputs have contamination problems. Fresh water can be canalled above Allenton all the way to Lake Hood. This could also be used as a punting venture commuting people to and from the lake. It will act as a major tourism drawcard attracting locals, tourists, and visitors alike.
TODD, Tony

Candidate details
Phone: 027 436 8256
Email: tonytodd47@gmail.com
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is in the Ashburton Ward area.
Ashburton District has been my home – it’s where I’ve lived, worked and played. I’ve witnessed many challenges, but also countless success stories that have shaped the strong, vibrant community we enjoy today.
Our District continues to grow, driven by a strong economy and resilient people. This inspires me to again seek a role in shaping the future of our community at the Council level.
Our agricultural sector remains the backbone of the local economy, fuelling the vitality of our industrial estates and CBD.
It’s crucial we continue to support and nurture this key industry. We are now home to many cultures, each contributing to the social and economic strength of Ashburton. Multi Cultural Bite is just one example of the richness that diversity brings – Let’s continue to support and promote these initiatives.
I seek a second term to continue serving the people and communities I care deeply about.
VAN AMERSFOORT, Dolf

Candidate details
Phone: 027 398 7566
Email: dva.ashburton@yahoo.com
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is in the Ashburton Ward area.
Born in South Africa of Dutch parents. Moved to Rhodesia where his father participated in building of Kariba Dam. (The largest man made lake in Africa) Started school in Kitwe, Northern Rhodesia now Zambia until year four. Moved back to South Africa completing school before starting an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic.
Working as a mechanic, commissioning engineer in the SA armaments industry, and specialist technical liaison manager for South Africas Largest Automotive Company. Working within to a position of Regional Service manager before leaving to venture into establishing some small businesses in the SA auto industry. Selling up in 2008 to migrate to New Zealand where he has been living in Ashburton since. Employed in the auto industry. Passionate to serve fellow residents within the council.
Offering experience in getting things done in a diverse environment.