Meet your candidates
Nominations for the 2026 trustee election for the TECT Community Trust closed at 12 noon, Friday 28th August 2026. The following nine candidates will contest the election for the three vacancies on the Trust:
AHOMIRO, Hori
ANDERSON, Ray
ARUNDEL, Mark
BARRY-PICENO, Kate
IRELAND, Debbie
IRVING, Mark
LAPWORTH, Murray
LELLMAN, Fraser
MURIE, Jon
*Ten candidates were originally confirmed for the election but Andrew Von Dadelszen has recently withdrawn.
An election is therefore required and will be conducted by online voting only (no postal voting) using the First Past the Post (FPP) election method. Voting letters containing instructions for online voting will be posted to all eligible electors from Friday 25 September 2026. Candidate names will be listed in random order on the online voting site.
More information on each candidate will be added to the candidate profiles below. This will be updated as information is provided.
Meet your 2026 candidates
All candidates were offered the opportunity to film a 90 second video. For those who were available to take up the opportunity, you can find their video linked below, alongside their photo and general candidate profiles. For those who were unavailable during filming, we have included their written answers to the interview questions if they were provided.
Hori Ahomiro
Hori is a Pou Tikanga and Registered Social Worker with a special interest in Kaupapa Māori/ Indigenous models of health and wellbeing. He has applicable systemic and practical experience within whanau, hapu and Iwi, Hauora, social services, local community and governance experience.
He is a respectful advocate of social justice, education, tangata whenua/human rights and the implementation and practice of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He aims to add his experience and skill set to help transform and improve whanau and community wellbeing including better equitable health statistics and outcomes for Māori, Tangata Tiriti and other cultures in our region. His background includes Governance, Management and leadership of community, social and health services, whānau, hapū and iwi, including membership of local research and advisory groups.
Ngā mihi ō te wā,
Hori Ahomiro, Pou Tikanga,
MIS (Hons) BBSW, Dip SW, Dip Ad Ed, RSW, Cert NZIM, Supervisor.
Ray Anderson
I moved to the Mount in 1981 after purchasing a Retail Furniture Business.
I became a Real Estate Agent in Papamoa in 1993 later ventured into Residential Subdivision Development.
In 2010, I purchased the Atrium Holiday Accomodation Business in the Mount and currently own a Motel Business in Tokaanu.
I have closely monitored the Trustee performance since the controversial Tilt Share Sale, in 2018 which caused “lost investment opportunities” of around $470 million.
The radical “Restructure” in 2021 which saw TECT Consumers “stripped” of their Ownership of the Trustpower Shares and lose their beneficial entitlements was not in the best interest of TECT Consumers.
My Pledge, if elected, is to review the agenda of the Trustees and restore the rights of the original TECT Consumers.
The “marketing power” of the existing TECT entity could be used to force Mercury Energy to lower the cost of Electricity supply in the Region.
Mark Arundel
I am seeking your vote for re-election.
I was privileged to have been part of the TECT team who restructured to a Community Charitable Trust in 2022.
While Chair this term we have reached 80% diversification of investments and a ‘best yet’ $39 Million grants budget this year.
From my Community Pharmacy and Health Governance background I am very aware of the needs and opportunities for TECT to enhance lives for all in our region.
I am absolutely committed to helping ensure TECT maximises those opportunities for both present and future generations.
TECT support is vital to the 300 plus organisations and thousands of amazing volunteers in Health and Wellbeing, Environment, Arts and Culture, Education, Sport and Recreation and Community Events. As is improving housing, investing in community facilities and amenities, and targeting support to reduce inequity and deprivation.
Thank you for your support. Mark Arundel JP
Kate Barry-Piceno
Seeking your support to be re-elected for another four-year term serving TECT. I am currently TECT Deputy Chair, sitting on Finance Audit and Risk, and Investment committees.
I bring independent legal judgement, disciplined analysis and governance experience, focused on long-term community value. I contributed during last term to complex decisions including diversifying TECT’s investments, major strategic project funding, strengthening audit and risk oversight, improving TECT strategies and policies.
TECT is a remarkable community success. With $1.07b assets TECT can now approve record levels of community grants. Trustees should protect and grow TECT capital, ensure effective funding to support both grassroots organisations and major impactful projects.
I care deeply about our District. Born and raised in Tauranga, four generations of family lived here. Having served and represented this community for 30 years in various legal and governance roles I understand both its opportunities and challenges and the transformational benefits TECT provides.
Debbie Ireland
Tauranga Moana is home. I have built my business here, raised my family here and spent nearly two decades helping organisations and communities navigate new challenges and opportunities.
I am standing for TECT because I believe we are living through one of the biggest periods of transformation any generation has experienced. Many of us remember life before the internet, smartphones and artificial intelligence, yet we are also helping shape an increasingly digital future. We are the Bridge Generation. My experience has shown me that as the world evolves, strong communities, meaningful connections and long-term thinking become even more important.
As Chair of the Tauranga Business Chamber, a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and a local business owner, I bring governance experience, financial oversight and strategic thinking.
TECT’s role is to safeguard and grow community assets for future generations while supporting the people and places that help our region thrive today. Honouring what has built our community while preparing for the future is a principle I strongly believe in. I would be honoured to earn your vote.
Mark Irving
I believe TECT is ideally positioned to help shape a stronger, more connected, and prosperous Western Bay for generations to come.
I offer extensive leadership, governance, and commercial experience, combined with a strong understanding of our region, its communities and the opportunities and challenges created by continued growth.
Throughout my career, I have brought businesses, councils, community organisations and people together to turn ideas into practical outcomes. I understand the importance of asking the right questions, making sound investment decisions, and ensuring community funding delivers genuine, measurable, and lasting benefit.
As a TECT Trustee, I would be independent, approachable, and listen. I would advocate for responsible stewardship of TECT’s substantial assets while ensuring its funding continues to make a real difference where it matters most.
I have the experience, energy, and commitment to contribute strongly.
I would be honoured to earn your vote and help shape TECT’s next chapter.
Murray Lapworth
CA, CS, CGP, MInstD
I am a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Governance Professional with 40 years’ experience in finance and investment. For a decade I was CFO and Chief Investment Officer of Rātā Foundation, New Zealand’s second-largest community trust, growing a $650 million investment fund that supported grants to thousands of community groups.
My proudest achievements there were building a stronger financial policy buffer to help the Foundation withstand market downturns and reshaping its investments to lift long-term returns for the community it served, underpinned by sound governance frameworks.
I have an affinity with Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty dating back to my childhood and bought a home here in 2020. Since 2023 I have served on the Acorn Foundation’s Investment Committee.
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my financial, governance and philanthropic experience to TECT’s Board, for the benefit of the community I now call home.
Fraser Lellman
With 35 years as a Chartered Accountant, business adviser and governance professional, I bring extensive experience in financial management, decision-making and responsible stewardship.
As former Managing Partner of BDO Tauranga and Board member of BDO New Zealand, I have helped businesses and organisations make decisions and manage responsibilities. I also have knowledge of TECT, having served for nine years as its Secretary and accountant.
I currently work as a Harcourts real estate agent, providing insight into local property markets and economic conditions.
My governance experience includes directorships with Grassroots Trust and trusteeship of the Bay Oval Trust, together with directorships with an economic development agency and Northern Districts Cricket Association.
I am standing for TECT because its assets must be protected and grown while delivering benefits to our community. I would bring independent judgement, financial expertise and strong governance to TECT, ensuring it remains a trusted community asset for generations.
Jon Murie
TECT is one of our region’s most important assets, supporting charities, arts, sport, social services and community groups that make this a great place to live.
I am committed to continuing TECT’s grants and the rebate while protecting and growing the fund for future generations.
As a previous trustee of the Waipuna Hospice Foundation and Tauranga Arts Festival, I have seen both the impact these organisations make and the growing pressures they face. They are not alone, which is why TECT matters more than ever.
A Tauranga resident raising two teenagers here, I care deeply about our community and TECT’s stewardship.
I am an Investment Adviser at Craigs Investment Partners with 20 years of investment management experience. My governance background includes Priority One, our region’s economic development agency, alongside commercial board experience.
I would bring sound judgement and financial expertise to the role.
I would be grateful for your vote.
Voting Eligibility and Process
Residents and/or ratepayer electors within the TECT Community Trust area (Tauranga City Council or Western Bay of Plenty District Council areas) as at midday Friday, 28 August 2026 are eligible to vote for the TECT Community Trust election.
For this election, voting will be conducted online only (no postal voting) using the First Past the Post (FFP) election method. Letters containing instructions for online voting will be posted to all eligible electors from Friday, 25 September 2026.
The letters will list the URL of the voting site and the unique PIN and Password each elector will need to be able to log into the voting site. The voting site will randomise the candidate names and display them in a different order for each elector when they log into the site.
Voting will close at 12 noon on Friday 23 October 2026.
Special Voting Arrangements
Residents residing within the TECT Community Trust area who are not listed on the final electoral roll for this election can enrol up to 5:00pm on 28 August 2026. Any alterations to the residential roll should be made:
Online at www.vote.nz
By texting your name and address to 3676 to get a form sent to you
By calling 0800 36 76 56 to ask for a form to be sent to you
By email request to enquiries@elections.govt.nz
Special votes are available from Friday, 25 September to midday on Friday, 23 October 2026 from the TECT Community Trust office at The Kollective, 145, 17th Avenue, Tauranga, during normal office hours (Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm) or by phone request to the election helpline on 0800 666 937 or email vote@electionnz.com
Special votes may be claimed by:
Electors, who have lost, spoilt, or destroyed the original voting letters mailed to them.
Any other persons aged 18 or over who reside within the TECT Community Trust area and believe they have a right to vote and have not already voted in the election.
Any election enquiries are to be directed to the Independent Returning Officer on the election helpline: 0800 666 937 or email: iro@electionz.com
Write to us
The Kollective
DX Box HP40007
Tauranga 3112
Visit us
The Kollective,
145 17th Avenue,
Tauranga, New Zealand
Phone us
07 578 5094
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