'Team Hokonui' announces candidates for mayoralty and council in Gore
Tuesday, 2 August 2022
A former youth Wellingtonian of the Year is making his bid to be mayor of Gore.
Tech entrepreneur Ben Bell has entered the race for the mayoralty in October’s local body elections, alongside two other candidates who will also stand for council seats as “Team Hokonui”.
Bell, 23, a former youth Wellingtonian of the Year, recently moved to Gore and says he believes it’s time to give the town ‘’a voice’’.
“The incumbent [mayor Tracy Hicks] has been there a long time and I believe it's time for something new and fresh. I can bring youth to the table and encourage them to vote, I have an interest in politics and think that Gore has a lot to offer. The incumbent hasn’t done a bad job, but he’s been there a long time,’’ he said.
The current council had done a lot of spending in recent times, but not necessarily in the right places, he said.
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“I’ve worked for a council, and probably understand a lot more about water and the issues because of that. I’ll listen to our community’s views on three waters reform, local government and RMA reform’’.
Bell worked for the Horizons Regional Council, where he was a data analyst for the hydrology team, and then the lead co-ordinator for civil defence dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
At age 17 he was the winner of the youth section of the 2016 Wellingtonian of The Year competition after he invented Wellbands – hi-tech hospital wristbands with GPS-like technology.
He went on to present Wellbands at Stanford MedicineX in California, ran a Startup Weekend event, and gave a TEDx talk.
“People will say I’m too young, and I can understand that, but I’ve teamed up with knowledgeable people who know a lot about the district and have similar views,’’ he said.
Also standing on the Team Hokonui ticket is radio broadcaster Robert McKenzie, and internet provider company owner Joe Stringer.
McKenzie, who is standing in the Gore ward, is the studio manager of CAVE FM and previously did his building apprenticeship with a local building firm.
“I love to live here, and want to build on the great things we enjoy about Gore. Actively promoting and supporting local events, I’m a big believer in supporting local businesses and want a council that makes good decisions and represents their community,’’ he said.
Stringer is standing for the council at large. He started internet company Yrless Limited 15 years ago, and had continued involvement in the family farm at Waikaka.
“I’m well aware that legislation and pipe dreams are now having massive impacts on not just farming but all local industries, be it environmental, health and safety, staffing, and rates,’’ he said.
“Gore is the hub with many great satellite towns, we should be encouraging development here to keep the Gore district alive and healthy. All people in our district have great ideas and voices to be heard,’’ he said.
Bell said Team Hokonui was being funded by its own candidates, and would announce more soon.
“We all own businesses and so that helps with funding, but we are looking for donations to help us on this venture,’’ he said.
Bell will stand against Tracy Hicks, who is seeking his seventh term as mayor of the Gore district.