Funnell flies in from left field to lead district

Tuesday, 28 October 2025

Former rescue chopper pilot turned hotelier, John Funnell, pictured with his partner Chrissy Simmen, has won the Taupō mayoralty.

Having barely set foot in the Taupō District Council chamber, long-term Taupō resident and former rescue chopper pilot John Funnell admits he’s got a lot to learn about the inner workings of the organisation.

In his first foray into local body politics, Funnell says his focus will be on financial responsibility, community engagement and balanced governance for all citizens of the district.

“I imagine it's going to be a steep learning curve, but that's what we signed up for, and that’s what we’re here for - not for any particular interest groups … but for what’s best for the district.”

John Funnell, pictured here giving the council his views on a joint management agreement with local iwi Tūwharetoa, says he’s committed to publicly reviewing the agreement.

With deputy mayor Kevin Taylor running against him, four-term, and now former Taupō mayor David Trewavas, received 2985 votes in the final election tally, with Taylor receiving 2866 ticks.

Funnell’s closest rival, real estate agent and former ACT Party candidate Zane Cozens received 4245 votes, with Funnell receiving 5600 votes.

He said he’s approaching the role with a strong sense of duty and a desire to give back.

“Life has treated me very well,” he said.

The Taupō District Council chamber during a meeting in July.

“My partner Chrissy and I are committed to helping in the community where we can.”

Although new to council, Funnell, now in his mid-70s, says he’s been involved in local affairs through roles on various boards and working groups, including the Taupō Airport Authority.

“I've been on the periphery for a number of years … observing council from one or two steps back,” he said.

During his campaign, Funnell committed to reviewing a joint management agreement (JMA) between the council and local iwi Tūwharetoa over the protection of Lake Taupō and the upper Waikato River.

“I'm still getting my feet under the table, getting my head around various things, but we need to work with all the parties involved.

“I have given that commitment, yes, and that is still my intention but I need to get a good understanding of the other side of the argument on that.

“I don't want to prejudice any discussions I'm yet to have with them because I'm here to represent the district, and that does include Tūwharetoa, so I need to listen to what they have to say.”

He told the Waikato Times he wants to focus on increasing the council’s income, and focusing on core principles.

“Spending money is one of my key war cries,” he said. “We got to get back to core principles, focus on them, and we need to increase income.”

Funnell said he is consulting councillors on the appointment of a deputy mayor, aiming for a collaborative decision.

“It is my decision, but … I’m involving other parties and asking, ‘do you have a view on this?’”

The council will be made up of Mangakino-Pouakani Ward councillor Hope Woodward, and Taupō Ward councillors Christine Rankin, Kevin Taylor, Rachel Shepherd, Yvonne Westerman, Duncan Campbell, Nicola De Lautour and Steve Manunui.

The Tūrangi-Tongariro Ward was won by incumbent councillor Sandra Greenslade, and the Taupō East Rural Ward was won by incumbent Kylie Leonard.

Te Papamārearea Māori Ward will be represented by Wahine Murch and Ngāhuia Foreman.

However, they will serve only one term after locals voted to remove Taupō’s Māori Ward by 9047 votes to 6058.

Voter turnout was 53.75%, up from 46% in 2022, and is one of the highest returns in the country.

Funnell will be officially sworn in on October 30, alongside the newly-elected council.