In last week’s candidate special, we took a serious look at the elections, asking local candidates some specific questions about what they feel will be some of the district’s biggest challenges and why they are the best person to deal with them. This week, are going to the other exteme with the mayoral candidates for the Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki districts, asking them to answer 10 unimportant and irrelevant questions – just for fun.

Please don’t base your vote on their answers, which are no indication of their ability to lead, but enjoy getting to know them on a lighter level.

WHAKATĀNE

Philip Jacobs

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

Northern France to visit my great uncle's grave. He deserves a family visit after 110 years.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

I once fell out of a car and bounced on the gravel road.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present?

Pets have never been part of my family culture - but I walk my niece's dog sometimes.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

Roast lamb with roast veges - because I am a Kiwi.

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

Pay off any debt and lock the rest away for a year while I think about it.

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

Films probably, but only on TV - I have not been to the movies for years. Nice heart-warming films only, I refuse to watch anything with violence.

Your most embarrassing moment?

Medical procedures for men's health are no fun.

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

My mother, she struggled through marriage problems but all seven of her children found good futures, avoided drugs and jail.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I would like use time travel to influence the world for good (Dr Who fan here).

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Summer is good, the cold and I do not get along.

Wilson James

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

Galapagos Islands I’ve always wanted to go there as there is such interesting sea and land life there.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

I have many great memories of my childhood, but family Christmases were always looked forward to.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present?

I’ve had several pets over the years but, like my kids and grandkids, I don’t have favourites – I enjoyed all of them. Being a farmer, I like all animals and enjoy caring for them all.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

Something simple as I don’t profess to be much of a cook, as my wife would probably tell you!

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

Put it in the bank until I needed it. I’m not one for spending money on the spur of the moment and generally like to think about it before I lash out.

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

I enjoy both books and movies. Books because you are using your own imaging of the story, and movies because of the visual and often dramatic storylines.

Your most embarrassing moment?

I’ve had many embarrassing moments, all of which I would sooner forget about!

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

My wife, children and grandchildren, as they all inspire me to do better and create a better future for them and everyone around them.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To see into the future.

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Summer, I enjoy the outdoors that our great district is abundant with, the beaches, the lakes, swimming, BBQ’s and socialising. It’s a great time of the year.

Andrew Iles

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

Lithuania to revisit Mentos and his family who I first home-hosted when he came to New Zealand as a Lions International youth exchange student in 2015. He has since visited me twice and I experienced their culture, hospitality and a white Christmas in 2017. It would be nice to revisit and see the changes that have evolved over that time rather than sharing only via Messenger.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

Having a twin sister, Cathy, both being left-handed and constantly having the teacher at primary school make us use our right hand and suffer constant raps over the knuckles with a ruler, or, in my case, having your left hand restricted in your pants’ belt. Needless to say, she didn’t succeed to change either of us to right handed. In my case, that was a blessing as I was to lose my right hand, having a seizure and falling onto a camp oven at the age of 20.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present?

I cannot single out one, wether it be one of my horses or dogs or many other pets I have had over the years. Their lives are all too brief by comparison to human years. I have loved the time and memories I have of so many favourite pets. For the past three-and-a-half years, Tui, a neutered poodle-shitzu-Maltese- cross is my constant companion and current favourite pet.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

Being winter, a roast of pork with crackle, apple sauce, roast kumara, potato, pumpkin, parsnip, lashings of rich pork gravy, broccoli and cheese sauce. No need for pudding after that feast!

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

I’d give $200,000 each to my twin sister and two younger brothers to share among their respective families and give $100,000 to the Waka Eastern Bay Community Trust which I chair. With over 500 passenger bookings for the month of July and approximately 350 or these being total mobility, a lack of another vehicle and volunteer drivrs risk this much-used and needed community initiative from expanding into our outlying rural settlements.

I’d also give $200,000 to an air ambulance and retain $100,000 as a backstop – and probably take that long overdue holiday to Lithuania.

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

Having spent nearly 18 years in council, reading agendas and preparing for meetings has taken precedence over books and films. My reading preference is The Beacon and NZ Herald – both in hard copy and enjoyed at my leisure over a cup of tea.

Your most embarrassing moment?

Getting myself locked in the toilet at Janice Hendl’s Coastlands home and her father and daughter having to literally smash out the centre of the wooden panelled door to let me out. See photo.

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

Not one person but two. My parents, the late Maureen and Ray Iles. I am surrounded by memories of a loving and caring childhood with my twin sister and two younger brothers. As post-World War II babies, our dad was an airforce fighter pilot and our mum was a great homebody, making most of our clothes as children and providing nourishing food and a well-kept home. We were given an excellent schooling and encouraged and supported into adulthood and our chosen sporting interests, higher eduction and career paths. I believe the well balanced upbringing I enjoyed through those formidable years and the health challenges I encountered in my early 20s set me up for the man I am today.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To eliminate the atrocities across the world, like the Israeli-Palestine conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Spring. The weather starts to warm up, the days grow longer and new life appears, whether it be in the animal kingdom or within the garden.

Mark Inman

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

Croatia – I’ve never been, and my daughter is currently working in the Med. It would be really special to connect with her while exploring somewhere completely new. I’ve heard incredible things about the coastline, food, and culture, and being able to share that experience with my daughter in the Mediterranean would make it even more memorable.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

My Whakatane High School 1st XV rugby trip to Los Angeles. It wasn’t just about the destination, but the journey to get there – lifelong friendships, lessons in fundraising, community support by chopping, stacking and delivering firewood, and hard work. It taught me the value of teamwork and the rewards sport can bring.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present?

Stella, our German Shepherd. She was amazing with the kids and used to tow me on my longboard because I wasn’t fast enough to run alongside her!

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

I wouldn’t – my wife is an incredible cook. I’d take care of the music, drinks, and dishes!

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

I’d buy my dream boat and invest the rest so my kids can enjoy it in the future.

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

Definitely films – I enjoy action, thrillers, and crime genres the most. Favourites? The Departed, Taken, or anything with a good twist.

Your most embarrassing moment?

It takes a lot to embarrass me — it’s usually me embarrassing my kids. Think awkward TikTok dancing or a Dad joke posted on Facebook that only I found funny.

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

My dad. He’s hardworking, level-headed, and loyal. He’s supported every decision I’ve made — right or wrong — without judgment. Everyone needs someone in their corner, and he’s always been in mine.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Either the ability to fly or time travel — something that would let me visit friends and whānau, especially my son in the U.S. I miss watching his rugby games, so being able to just turn up on game day to support him would mean the world.

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Summer – I’m not a fan of the cold. Fishing, surfing, golf, and BBQs are all better in the sunshine, especially at Ōhope Beach.

Victor Luca

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I would go to Italy (via Argentina) since Italy is where my ancestors are from and where I still have lots of whānau that I haven't seen for ages.  Via Argentina because that is where my wife and children are. Like New Zealand, Italy is a beautiful country that is rich in history. Geologically it is not unlike New Zealand. Green and highly seismic. Both countries look like a boot. My parents are from Stromboli which is the volcanic island located off the coast of Sicily and it would be on my list of places to visit.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood. Fishing for tuna with Dad and the bros out the back of Whale (Moutohorā) Island. The days when the action was full on. I can still picture the spectacular work-ups.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present.

I'm not much of a pet person. However, my father inherited a cat off our former neighbours, the Castles. When Ian Castle passed away, Dad inherited Ian's cat. This cat has quite a personality and has a love of karaoke. He even sings along with me. I've got my fingers crossed that the cat is not orphaned for a third time.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

Being a chemist by training, I'm pretty handy in the kitchen. I haven't ever met a chemist that couldn't cook. Unlike Walter White, who was also a chemist, I specialise in Thai green curry. I love Thai food.

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

Pay off the house and keep doing what I'm doing. Fix the old garage. Maybe take a trip to Italy with my family. Help some people. e.g. Hospice and The Financial Mentoring service ...

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

I like a good movie and really liked the recent movie Complete Unknown. As a scientist, reading has been an occupational hazard. However, I read what most people might consider really boring academic books. I do like to read off topic educational books, but only ever seem to get half way before moving on to the next book.

Your most embarrassing moment?

I struggle to think of one. Maybe when my boss in Argentina asked me what the project was about after I had just spent about 30 minutes explaining it. We're still friends.

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

There have been lots of great scientists that have influenced me. Maybe folk like Noam Chomsky and Warren Buffet. Chomsky because of his contributions to humanity and political activism and billionaire Warren Buffet because, despite his billions, he still lives in the same home he purchased in 1953 and is already giving away his billions. That says something about the man.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I'd fix the world which is in a very sad state. Wars, genocides, injustice and deprivation and climate change. Absolute insanity on a planet that has everything everyone needs to be fulfilled and happy.

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Spring is a time of flowers and warmer weather. It is a time of renewal.

Nandor Tanczos

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I’d go to Whaingaroa / Raglan and spend a couple of weeks learning to paraglide. My wife bought me an introductory lesson for my birthday a few years ago and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

Kayaking with my father and brother on Lake Pupuke. We used to go regularly and then catch eels which my mum would cook when we got home. I think as a child what stands out more than anything is the simple times I got to spend with my family.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present?

I used to have a hungarian Puli dog, which is an ancient sheep-herding breed, very clever, with long black dreadlocks. But don’t tell my current dog.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

Depends on my mood. I love to cook and improvise. I really like Middle Eastern food, so maybe adas bi hamod (silverbeet and lentil soup) which is really easy to make and delicious with a nice bread, followed by moussaka and baklava to finish.

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

$1 million is not enough to do anything really exciting, like build a hemp processing plant on the plains or create an eco-friendly, socially integrated low cost housing development. I’d probably help my kids buy a house each.

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

I used to be an avid reader but I haven’t had much time to read many novels recently so I’d have to say films to be honest. Some of my favourites would be Cloud Atlas, The Dark Horse with Cliff Curtis, and more recently I enjoyed the series Kaos on Netflix.

Your most embarrassing moment?

Stepping in dog excrement just before walking into an important business meeting. You do your best to clean it off but it’s hard to take yourself seriously when you’re catching whiffs of turd.

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

It sounds trite but my father. He was a freedom fighter in the 1956 Hungarian Uprising against the Russian occupation and had to flee for his life when it was quashed. He was a refugee who had to start his life again from scratch, learn a new language in a new land, with new customs. He was a man of immense courage, integrity and principle and I hope some of his qualities rubbed off on me.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To understand what drives people to make the decisions they make. I believe that most people are doing their best with what they have available to them, but it is easy for us to get stuck in limiting ways of thinking. Understanding what is motivating people makes it possible to find win / win solutions. As Marshall Rosenburg says, our needs are never in conflict, just our strategies for meeting them.

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Summer, because of the abundance of fruit – fresh strawberries and berries of all kinds, peaches, apples, cherries... yum. And of course it’s warm.

KAWERAU

Faylene Tunui

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I would escape to a place that is warm, isolated, dripping in sunshine, with delicious kai, endless music, a chilly-bin full of my favourite bevvys with no phone, no laptop, no wifi, no work!. My mum is from Ahipara in the Far North, and I would likely escape to Te Oneroa-ā-Tōhe, somewhere along the Ninety-Mile Beach.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

One word - Cuzzies (or cousins for some readers). Being raised by my awesome cuzzies (who might be described as 'friends who are related by whakapapa or genealogy') who taught me how to ride a bike, to sing, to 'bomb' (also known as the manu, the thing you do when you can't swim!), to play bullrush, to climb trees and taught me about loyalty and protection and helped prepare me for the big, wide world when it was time for me to leave the 'nest'.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present

Our labrador-cross doggy 'Carlos-Spencer-Tunui' was part of our whānau for over a decade. The most loyal, protective member of our family and he was and is, irreplaceable.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

Cook? Oh the gift of 'feeding people' skipped straight past me in the whakapapa line. My gifts are in hosting, serving, cleaning and entertaining.

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

Twenty years ago, you could have bought five really nice homes in Kawerau to help address the lack of housing/rental stock, but not in 2025. I would put some aside to send my closest friends and family on a well-deserved holiday as a way of thanking them for being there for me and especially my tamariki when I was tied up with work!

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

I used to be a big reader but read enough in my day job, so like to take my kids to the movies with popcorn and ice cream! Favourite movies? The Green Mile, The Notebook and anything musical or Disney/Pixar.

Your most embarrassing moment?

Just the one? There's quite a few given that I've been around for nearly half-a-century. If I had to pick one of these 'awesome memories', it would be face-planting while crossing the intersection of Queen and Wellesley Streets in Auckland with that ridiculous flashing red pedestrian light and beeping sound telling you to hurry up and cross! Not easy to do when you're lying on your puku in the middle of the intersection, but my comeback memory is of the man in the business suit who picked me up and helped me - yay!

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

There's two of them - my dad and my mum. My dad taught me discipline, consistency, honesty and integrity and my mum taught me to meet and receive people, all people, to help, be kind and caring and taught me not to judge a book by its cover.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To grow a garden of super-healers, helping people to overcome sickness, ailments, hurt and broken heartedness to give everyone the chance of being all they can be.

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Te Kōanga - Spring season. After hunkering down in the colder months of the year, Spring is the time of renewal and transformation and two of my kids were born in Te Kōanga.

Carolyn Ion

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

On a plane, not a ship, to Perth to visit our daughters Jessy and Brooke

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

True story, the early days in Kawerau on Fenton Mill Road, when Valley Road hadn't been constructed.  My sister and I had just witnessed a huge deer jump over the back fence of our house, minutes later two deer hunters came flying up the road in a ute, guns in hand and asked if we had seen a large deer.  Being young, we simply signalled a firm NO. Deer, 1, hunters, nil

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present

Before our first-born daughter Jessy, along came a Golden Labrador we named Brock, after the famous NZ racing car driver Peter Brock.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

Homemade meatloaf, roast veges and apricot sponge pudding.

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

That would be a family conference, I only have one vote

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

Films, in no particular order: The Blind Side, Boy and Shrek

Your most embarrassing moment?

Thankfully, nothing to report.

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

That would be my late parents, still influential to this day and moment. They settled their very young family in Kawerau, made it their forever home, as Michael and I have.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Back to Lotto, last week over $20 million to one winner. Let’s divi that out in lots of $500k, boom, we have 40 winners!

What’s your favourite season, and why?

I don't have a favourite; just glad there's no snow here in winter … yet.

ŌPŌTIKI

David Moore

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I have two fave holiday spots. Waikaremoana is always a special place to visit and get a dose of nature but so is heading to the Shangri la Yanuca Island in Fiji. Beautiful place, but the people there are what makes it such a special place to visit, especially with whanau.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

I can remember catching my first snapper that was over 10lb when I was about five on a handline at Te Kaha.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present?

I have had lots of favourite pets, but my current dog Duke is hard to beat, and we enjoy a 5km walk every morning. Duke from the Duke Street pound.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

If I was planning dinner, I would try to be serving fresh fish, and my specialty pudding is old fashioned bread and butter pudding. Roast chicken if sea is rough and hangi for big occasions.

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

If I won a million, I would have to give half to my wife because I never buy a ticket and the rest would be a few trips for the entire whānau to the Shangri la and I probably would try to buy the ex-service motors building opposite Mobil.

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

50/50 on books vs films, I enjoy both. I like history books and films, I love old Westerns, anything with Clint Eastwood and John Wayne – and comedy, 50 first dates hard to beat.

Your most embarrassing moment?

My most embarrassing moment was helping a lady who had locked her keys in her car only to find out I opened the wrong one!

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

I have been lucky to have many influential people in my life at different times. But my first one had to be my Pop, Eddie Collier.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

If I could have one superpower, it would be to go back in time.

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Winter, for sure. The fishing is always good, time for a holiday in Fiji and for the 20-plus years I was a beekeeper, it was the only time I was able to go on holiday.

Curley Keno

If you could take a holiday tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I would choose to visit Aotearoa, New Zealand. How can this not be a holiday destination. This beautiful country offers a perfect blend of stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and a uniquely welcoming atmosphere. Who wouldn't want to visit a place where you can go from skiing on a mountain to lounging on a beach in the same day? Let's not forget the chance to finally master the haka or at least give it a go without pulling a muscle.

Share a stand-out memory from your childhood.

This would have to be our almost fortnightly camping trips at the beach. Ōhiwa or known traditionally as te kete kai a Tairongo, back then, was a place bountiful with kai. I remember being able to dive for scallops, raking up massive cockles, and catching all the big fish. The sounds of the water, often the oars slamming against it, the beach fires, watching the gurnard flying around, and gazing at the stars are memories that will last forever. Those trips were more than just camping; they were a way of life.

Tell us about your favourite pet, past or present

One of my fondest memories involves my favourite pet, a dog named Tip. Tip was a protective and very clever brindle-coloured cattle dog. Tip wasn't just a pet; he was a loyal companion and a part of our whanau. His intelligence and protective nature made him a constant source of comfort and joy.

If you were having guests around for dinner tonight, what would you cook them?

Now, I must admit, my cooking skills are a bit like my political career. Always evolving and sometimes surprising! But rest assured, my food is definitely edible. And if all else fails, there's always the trusty fish and chips shop 15 mins away or Mummy up the road who bakes a good rewena bread and brisket boil up.

If you won $1 million in Lotto today, how would you spend it?

I'd have a lot of fun figuring out how to spend it! First, I'd probably invest in some community projects that are close to my heart, like fixing up the roof of Te Umu Tao Noa a Tairongo wharekai. Maybe even a dirt bike track for the rangatahi of Ōpōtiki, something most people moan about, if only consents were simple. I could also help support school projects and small businesses.

But here's the twist: I don't actually buy Lotto tickets. So, if I ever do win, it would be a miracle. In the meantime, I'll keep working hard and focusing on making a difference the old-fashioned way.  The odds of winning the lotto are about as good as finding a parking spot in the middle of Church St in Opotiki.

Do you prefer books or films? And what are your favourites?

I definitely prefer films! I enjoy all sorts from docos to action packed blockbusters.  Theres just so much great content out there to have a favourite.

Your most embarrassing moment?

There have definitely been moments and while they were embarrassing at the time, they also gave me and others a good laugh. After all, it's moments like these that keep us humble and remind us that we're all human.

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date, and why?

The most influential person in my life has undoubtedly been my nan.  Nan's influence on my life is immeasurable, as she taught me the importance of whanau, hard work, resilience, and staying true to one's roots, all while being the glue that held our whanau together with her intelligence, wit, political savvy, and unwavering love. And let’s be honest, if I can handle the pressures of politics with even half the grace and humour she had, I’ll be doing just fine

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The ability to pause time coz who wouldn’t want to have a few extra moments to savour the little things in life.

What’s your favourite season, and why?

Autumn.  I don't need to worry about irritable sinuses or unpredictable weather. And I love how the leaves change colour, and the landscape takes on a warm, golden hue.