2026/27 KRRA Committee Nominations
The following nominations have been received for positions on the 2026/27 KRRA Committee:
Chris Brock
Nominated by Sarah Brock, seconded by Isabel Gilbert Palmer
Hello, I'm Chris, and I'm excited to introduce myself as a candidate for the Kuaotunu Residents and Ratepayers Association. My family and I have been proud residents of Kuaotunu since 2020, though my connection to this community goes back to my childhood.
Professionally, I serve as a Software Architect at a major IT company based out of San Francisco. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to develop software solutions for diverse industries such as energy generation, risk management, and dairy farming. This breadth of experience has provided me with valuable insights and skills that extend beyond the realm of software and IT.
As a member of the KRRA committee, my goal is to contribute to initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Kuaotunu, making it an even better place for families and fostering a vibrant, connected community. I want to help protect and improve the Kuaotunu way of life, and contribute to my community. I am eager to work collaboratively with fellow residents to ensure this place we call home continues to thrive and evolve. I will bring ideas, a young family perspective, my time and experience.
Gael Coleman Smith
Nominated by Steffi Hamman, seconded by Isabel Gilbert Palmer
My name is Gael Coleman and I am a member of the existing Committee, standing for another year.
Martin and I moved to Kuaotunu 18 years ago, but our love for Kuaotunu stretches back over 40 years. We moved here with our youngest daughter, and feel very lucky to be living in such a beautiful community.
My working background was mainly the printing industry, initially editorial, and then as a manager.
I ran my own business, a vintage and retro clothing shop in Whitianga, for 7 years.
I am an active member of KAMAG, KEA, Kuaotunu Food Forest, Coromandel Watchdog, Kuaotunu Dune Care, Otama Wetlands Group, and a St Johns volunteer.
I am a committed environmental and social justice advocate and support Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
Kevin Crawford (current Secretary)
Nominated by Ian Campbell, seconded by Jenny Crawford
My background is Engineering Consultancy in delivery of infrastructure projects with the last 20 years in New Zealand on road and rail projects. I retired in late 2024. With my wife Jenny, we bought a property in Kūaotunu West in 1983, built our house in 2005 and permanently moved here in mid-2020. I have been Secretary with KRRA for 4 years and have worked with the Committee contributing to submissions on the Community objectives such as reducing SH25 speed limits and to TCDC’s Long-Term and Annual Plans and to NZTA and TCDC on roading infrastructure.
I am passionate about this community and its objectives and in being part of this KRRA Committee together I believe we have achieved a lot to advance these. We jointly have developed good working relationships with TCDC Councillors and staff, the Community Board and with NZTA on infrastructure and resilience. I am keen to continue this and advocate for the various community projects both underway and in the future.
With my background I can contribute to KRRA and advocate for the community with TCDC and NZTA for a fairer share of investment into local & SH25 roading, walking, cycling and achieving better resilience for our community infrastructure. Working with Committee members, TCDC and NZTA we successfully achieved SH25 Speed Limit Reductions in late 2025. I am keen to try to take this further to staged footpaths connecting Kūaotunu West and Waitaia / Pumpkin Flat / Cemetery Road to the village. I seek community support to advance this and other projects in the communities’ future vision.
Dani Elliston
Nominated by Isabel Gilbert Palmer, seconded by Lee Barraclough
My husband, Gavin and I have had our home in Kuaotunu since 2007 and moved here permanently in 2016, after 9 years in Western Australia. My background is in legal as a Para Legal specialising in Family Law. Whilst overseas in Karratha, Western Australia I was Deputy Registrar at the Karratha Courthouse and then as a Document Controller for Lead Change Control involved in the construction of the Pluto Gas Train in Dampier for the 9 years I resided in Karratha, Western Australia. We returned home and have a business here in Kuaotunu with a “Digger and a Truck”.
I am interested in advocating for our community for all that we stand for and wish to have, in this community to make it safer (road safety , pathways so people can walk to and from West Kuaotunu and from Waitaia Road area) as well as any other projects relevant to our community and area.
I am also passionate about this vibrant and diverse community we are fortunate to call home and continue to proactively contribute to achieving its future goals.
Isabel Gilbert Palmer
Nominated by Shirley Willey, seconded by Eliza Reed
I have had a house in Kuaotunu since the early 90’s and after thirty five years of living in the Benelux countries of Europe and USA chose in 2016, to make it my home.
I am an arts advocate, author (and rotten speller ), community events lead & organiser, private niche library owner, a local winter book club coordinator and am about to co partner in a village artisan project this year.
My wish is to continue my community involvement and to continue participating in community affairs within KRRA's committee. It is the most innovative and concordant team I have been privileged to belong to and work with since 2016. It has equal gender balance and tangata whenua membership and has developed an important trust and support network within the group .
I will contribute my particular perspective on local and cultural and environmental decisions. My ability to listen and respect the views of others whether I agree to them or not. That I value social networks and relationships that support the goals of Kuaotunu's unique community. Humour resides within me too.
Steffi Hammann-Evans
Nominated by Isabel Gilbert Palmer, seconded by Steven Hart
My name is Steffi Hammann-Evans, I am a long-term resident of this beautiful community.
I have a varied professional background. Originally trained as a furniture maker and designer, I transitioned into administration and bookkeeping following the birth of my children. I also bring governance experience through seven years of service on the Kūaotunu Kindergarten Board of Trustees. I am currently studying toward a Bachelor of Applied Counselling.
As a long-term resident, Kūaotunu has become our family’s home. I hold a deep appreciation for this vibrant community and its beautiful natural environment. I believe in grassroots representation that reflects our community’s needs and interests, and I value the opportunity to actively contribute to its sustainable development.
In my second year on the committee, I will endeavour to continue providing transparent financial oversight as the KRRA treasurer.
Steve Hart (current Chair)
Nominated by Gay Breeuwer, seconded by Ian Preece
I have been the Chairman of Kuaotunu Residents & Ratepayers Association for the past 2 years and previously Chairman of Kuaotunu Land Search & Rescue for 18 years. I have owned several successful businesses in the area and currently own a lawn, property maintenance and landscaping business employing 5 local residents. I founded Go Kiwi Shuttles and Coromandel Wilderness Adventures in Whitianga having previously worked in the tourism & hospitality industry in Queenstown. I have a vast knowledge and experience in local government having been employed by Thames Coromandel District Council as a Compliance Team Leader here I worked under 4 different Chief Executives and 4 different elected Mayors, Councillors & Community Boards. I was also an honorary fishery officer for 10 years as I wanted to contribute something back to the fishery in which I enjoy fishing, kayaking and diving. I am currently part of the Kuaotunu Emergency Response Group and have been the lead Event Controller for the last x4 emergency events utilizing my background as a volunteer Land SAR Operations Manager.
Both myself & my wife Gay are long time local residents at Kuaotunu with my family moving to Whitianga in 1960. We are passionate about Kuaotunu and its unique coastal, small village environment. We believe it's important to give back to the communities in which you live, work and play and this is why I enjoy being part of the KRRA.
Resident & Ratepayer Associations are the democratic voice for local communities. I am able to contribute by using my combined knowledge of local government, my business experience and my passion to represent local & absentee residents by advocating on many issues to various agencies. I have had vast experience chairing various groups and understand the sometimes complexities of volunteer groups.
Marguerite Muellers (current Committee Member)
Nominated by Sue Greig, seconded by Colin Reid.
My Whakapapa is placed in Germany, my river is the lower Rhine.
As an educational Psychologist I have been working on the Coromandel Peninsular as a Counsellor & Psychotherapist for 35 years. Parallel I have been pursuing my water colour art skills and working part time as a life coach.
I am a committee member of the Kuaotunu Library since 2016, KRRA since 2023 and the Whitianga Art School.
For the committee of the KRRA I am committed:
*to work towards best outcomes for our community
*to achieve balance and support - a common sense approach in alternative progressive outcomes
*to work hands on with practical issues and ideas within the KRRA
My mission for the Kuaotunu community is to protect the village vibe, in other words to be an advocate keeping our community safe and healthy.
With many different ethnicities being presented in our community I am a strong supporter of multiculturalism.
My focus is on the 65 plus members in our Village - we have 25% more elderly over the age of 65.
Ian Preece (Deputy Chair)
Nominated by Shirley Willey, seconded by Nedilka Radojkovich
We have been part of the Kuaotunu community since 2005 when we bought land and started planting our dream of a conservation estate.
After a career in geophysics and then IT programme management I switched to professional photography in 2012. My subject is the natural environment and the place I photograph is here.
I have lead and been part of a number of community, art and conservation projects across the peninsula and most recently moved into film making and helped to set up the inaugural Corocine Film Festival, a celebration of Coromandel film making, in 2024.
Kuaotunu is a very special place. It is a passionate and engaged community where a lot of people spend a lot of their time to keep it that way.
I believe if you value something you need to invest your time in it which is why I am on the committee.
Joanne Pullin
Nominated by Flemming Rasmussen, seconded by Philip Pullin
I’m Jo Pullin, a Kūaotunu resident raising three kids who attend Te Rerenga School. My background spans architecture, business ownership including a NZ master franchise, and commercial/residential property management. Five years living aboard with my family, sailing to remote Pacific villages, deepened my respect for community, resilience, and practical problem-solving. My experience spans small business ownership, sales, lifestyle farming, and parenting — each one teaches resilience, problem-solving, and follow-through. That mix of design training, operational experience, and real-world adversity equips me to approach local issues with creativity and clear thinking. I’m a doer who stays calm under pressure and values collaboration. I care deeply about this area’s future and want to contribute skills that serve Kūaotunu long-term.
I’d like to join KRRA to contribute energy, time, and a fresh perspective. I know my proposed subdivision has raised concerns, and I respect that. Joining isn’t about pushing an agenda — it’s about listening, participating, and finding common ground. KRRA does important work for residents and ratepayers, and I’m willing to roll up my sleeves on projects that benefit us all: footpaths, safe crossings, coastal resilience, and stronger community connection. I bring strong engagement skills, design thinking, and a record of following through. My goal is constructive involvement that serves the whole community. I’m here to add capacity to the group, support good initiatives, and ensure diverse voices are included respectfully.
I’ll contribute energy, practical skills, and a genuine willingness to get involved. My architecture training and business background mean I look for straightforward, workable ways to tackle local issues — whether that’s supporting safer pedestrian access, protecting beach and dune areas, or helping projects that bring people together. Living at sea for five years taught me to solve problems with limited resources and stay calm when things get challenging. I respect the work KRRA already does, from the successful SH25 speed reduction campaign to bridge upgrades, dune care, and supporting Te Rerenga School children. I’m here to show up, listen, and help with the priorities members care about. My commitment is to a thriving, safe, connected Kūaotunu, and I’d be proud to contribute alongside KRRA members to get things done.
Roimata Taimana (current Committee Member)
Nominated by Carolyn Wadey-Barron, seconded by Steve Hart
Kia ora, ko Roimata toku ingoa. I am whangai to the Mangakahia whanau of Whangapoua where I grew up and learned my love for this area. A local of Kūaotunu for many years, I have been a committee member on previous KRRA committees and sit on the current committee. I am also an active member of KSAR (Kūaotunu Search and Rescue) and recently also joined the Kūaotunu Emergency Response Team.
I am an artist and singer-songwriter and have been involved in a number of art and music groups over the years. You might have seen me singing at Luke's or showing art in the hall. I am currently planning the first Matariki festival in Kūaotunu for July and am excited to share my plans with the community.
I will continue helping our community as I have done in the past and will always be kaitiaki for this beautiful whenua. Helping with the mahi, keeping our community safe and keeping Kūaotunu as Kūaotunu.