Mayor and councillors

Bio

Graeme has been dairy farming in the Mai Mai Valley since 1983 and is still actively involved with the farm on a daily basis. He has returned to Council after a three-year break after first being elected in 1992.

Graeme is a trained commissioner under the Resource Management Act and has held a number of council positions during his elected time.

Graeme and his wife have five adult children and seven granddaughters.

Committees involved

• Portfolio Lead Regulatory Environment and Planning
• District Licensing Committee (Alcohol Licensing) (DLC)
• One District Plan (TToPP)
• Primary Health Organisation (PHO)
• Inangahua Community Board (ICB)
• West Coast Health Localities Project
• Reefton Reserve Subcommittee

Bio

Rosalie Sampson has lived in Karamea for about 48 years. During this time she and her husband operated their dairy farm in Karamea. While still owning the farm, they built and operated a local motel.

Rosalie has been on Council for eight terms. She was Deputy Mayor for two and chairperson of Community, Environment and Services Committee for four terms. In 2002 Rosalie co-founded the Oparara Valley Trust and has been the chairperson from then till today. The Trust successfully completed a project in the Oparara, building new toilets, shelter, and tracks.

Rosalie is actively involved in several community groups and in 2009 was awarded an MNZM for services to conservation and community. Karamea is a special place for Rosalie with two of her daughters and their families living in this special part of Buller and having regular get-togethers.

Committees involved

• Portfolio Lead Corporate Policy and Corporate Planning
• Creative Communities Subcommittee
• Carnegie Restoration Working Group
• Regional Housing Forum
• Karamea Reserve Subcommittee
• Little Wanganui Reserve and Hall Subcommittee
• Seddonville Reserve Subcommittee

Bio

Toni has lived in Buller for over 25 years and brings her community involvement and practical strengths to Council. 

Toni’s background lies in primary industry and trades, starting off as an interior plasterer then moving to mining, farming, and small business.

Toni has a passion for her community and has been involved in many community groups from youth work to arts. Currently she is serving as secretary/treasurer at her local fire brigade and as a civil defence coordinator.

Toni’s happy place is with her family and spending any spare time in the garden.

Committees involved

• Portfolio Lead Smaller and Rural Communities
• Ngakawau/Hector Reserve Subcommittee
• Mōkihinui Reserve Subcommittee
• Waimangaroa Reserve Committees

Bio

Andrew moved with his family to Westport 22 years ago. He has had significant experience in governance, both through involvement in school and his previous time on Council.

Starting his education career over 30 years ago, Andrew held many management and leadership roles both within education and in the wider community. These include several local sport organisations and he is a trustee for Homebuilders West Coast Trust.

Andrew enjoys participating in several sports, with badminton being the favourite at the moment. His three children enrich his life and are an ongoing source of fun. His new grandchild marks the beginning of a new adventurous chapter in his life.

Committees involved

• Deputy Mayor
• Chair of Chief Executive Review and Relationship Committee.
• Portfolio Lead Regulatory Environment and Planning

Bio

Phil has lived in Buller most of his life growing up on a farm.

His working career has exposed him to most aspects of farming, continuously growing his skill set. He has also worked for several years at the local cement works.  In between, Phil owned a local hospitality business, extending his expertise and experience.

Outside of working, Phil enjoys living by the beach and going fishing. You can spot him at rugby matches where he helps out as a local rugby referee.

Committees involved

• Projects in Partnership Group (PIP)
• Portfolio Lead Infrastructure
• Portfolio Lead Regional Transport Committee (RTC)

Bio

Annelise moved to Buller three years ago and fell in love with the West Coast lifestyle. 

Studying a Bachelor of Pharmacy opened up the opportunity to work in hospital and community environments in both Hokitika and Greymouth, before taking up a role as a pharmacist in Buller. 

Annelise is passionate about providing equitable and patient-centred care in her community. 

Due to her public role, she communicates with members of the community daily, whilst demonstrating effective time management, confidentiality and empathy.

Annelise particularly enjoys the outdoors, making the most of fishing, hiking and gardening.

Committees involved

• Portfolio Lead Community Services
• Creative Communities Subcommittee

Bio

Jo has lived in Buller for over 40 years. She has a retail and managerial background. Combined with a Bachelor of Business, a Certificate in Project Management, and her involvement in many businesses and community groups, she brings a broad range of practical skills, experience and knowledge to the table.

Jo has been on Council for the 2019 term and stepped up to a second term on Council in 2022.  She loves working with communities, addressing complex problems, and developing strategies. 

She is interested in the economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects along with opportunities of betterment for Buller and its people. 

When not volunteering, Jo loves spending time in her vegetable garden, being creative and keeping in touch with family.

Committees involved

• Portfolio Lead Community Services
• Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project Group
• Westport Rating District Joint Committee 
• Social Hub Feasibility Working Group
• Reserve Representative for One District Plan (TToPP)

Bio

Grant is a second term Councillor, who is passionate about the place he has always called home. Born and bred fourth generation, his children are the fifth. 

Grant’s mother’s family has deep connections to Denniston, and the Westport area.

Grant brings objectivity and teamwork to the council table, and certainly values his ability to get on with people, and to listen. He enjoys anything outdoors including mountain running, tramping, and hunting. 

Grant always volunteers his time to help events run smoothly and can take on leadership roles. 

Committees involved

• Carters Beach Reserve and Hall Subcommittees 
• Omau Reserve Subcommittee
• West Coast Road Safety Coordinating Committee
• Portfolio Lead Infrastructure

Bio

Colin moved to Westport in 2013 due to an employment opportunity. When the occasion arrived, he decided to retire in the district.

With over 40 years accounting experience in the private and public sectors, 20 years of which was as a private contractor, Colin uses now his expertise on behalf of the Buller community as a Councillor. 

As an accountant, ethics have played a big part in his profession and the institutions he was part of. In his spare time, Colin likes to chill, and spend quality time with his wife.

Committees involved

• Westport Rating District Joint Committee
• Portfolio Lead Corporate Policy and Corporate Planning